Operating a fingerprint sensor comprised of ultrasonic transducers

ABSTRACT

In a method for operating a fingerprint sensor including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, receiving a plurality of images corresponding to different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor are received, wherein the plurality of images are non-adjacent. For each image of the plurality of images, it is determined whether the image of the plurality of images is indicative of a fingerprint. Provided a number of images of the plurality of images that are indicative of a fingerprint satisfies a threshold, it is determined whether the images of the plurality of images that are indicative of a fingerprint are collectively indicative of a fingerprint. Provided the plurality of images are collectively indicative of a fingerprint, it is determined that the plurality of images include a fingerprint.

BACKGROUND

Conventional fingerprint sensing solutions are available and deployed in consumer products, such as smartphones and other type of mobile devices. Common fingerprint sensor technologies generally rely on (1) a sensor and (2) a processing element. When the sensor is turned on, the sensor can take or can direct the device to take an image, which is digitized (e.g., level of brightness is encoded into a digital format), and send the image to the processing element. However, finger print sensors typically consume substantial amount of power (e.g., hundreds of μWatts to several mWatts) and, therefore, may present a considerable drain on power resources of the mobile device by rapidly draining the battery of the mobile device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the Description of Embodiments, illustrate various embodiments of the subject matter and, together with the Description of Embodiments, serve to explain principles of the subject matter discussed below. Unless specifically noted, the drawings referred to in this Brief Description of Drawings should be understood as not being drawn to scale. Herein, like items are labeled with like item numbers.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a PMUT device having a center pinned membrane, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of membrane movement during activation of a PMUT device, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the PMUT device of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a simulated map illustrating maximum vertical displacement of the membrane of the PMUT device shown in FIGS. 1-3, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an example PMUT device having a circular shape, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a top view of an example PMUT device having a hexagonal shape, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example array of circular-shaped PMUT devices, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example array of square-shaped PMUT devices, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example array of hexagonal-shaped PMUT devices, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example pair of PMUT devices in a PMUT array, with each PMUT having differing electrode patterning, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D illustrate alternative examples of interior support structures, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a PMUT array used in an ultrasonic fingerprint sensing system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates an integrated fingerprint sensor formed by wafer bonding a CMOS logic wafer and a microelectromechanical (MEMS) wafer defining PMUT devices, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example ultrasonic transducer system with phase delayed transmission, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates another example ultrasonic transducer system with phase delayed transmission, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example phase delay pattern for a 9×9 ultrasonic transducer block, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17 illustrates another example phase delay pattern for a 9×9 ultrasonic transducer block, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 18A illustrates an example of an operational environment for sensing of human touch, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 18B illustrates an example fingerprint sensor, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example system for detecting the presence of a finger on a fingerprint sensor, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates example operation in a first phase of a finger detection mode associated with a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 21 illustrates a graph of an example temporal adjustment of thresholding for detecting an object for the first phase of the finger detection mode, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example flow diagram of the temporal adjustment of thresholding for detecting an object for the first phase of the finger detection mode, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates example operation in a second phase of a finger detection mode associated with a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 24A illustrates an example duty-cycle timeline for the second phase of the finger detection mode, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 24B illustrates an example of thresholding for the second phase of the finger detection mode, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIGS. 25A-D illustrate another example of thresholding for the second phase of the finger detection mode, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 26 illustrates example operation in a third phase of a finger detection mode associated with a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 27A illustrates an example image captured by a fingerprint sensor, where patches are extracted from the image, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 27B illustrates example patches that are captured directly by a fingerprint sensor, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIGS. 28 through 31B illustrate flow diagrams of example methods for operating a fingerprint sensor comprised of ultrasonic transducers, according to various embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following Description of Embodiments is merely provided by way of example and not of limitation. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding background or in the following Description of Embodiments.

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the subject matter, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While various embodiments are discussed herein, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit to these embodiments. On the contrary, the presented embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope the various embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in this Description of Embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present subject matter. However, embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the described embodiments.

Notation and Nomenclature

Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are presented in terms of procedures, logic blocks, processing and other symbolic representations of operations on data within an electrical device. These descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In the present application, a procedure, logic block, process, or the like, is conceived to be one or more self-consistent procedures or instructions leading to a desired result. The procedures are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, although not necessarily, these quantities take the form of acoustic (e.g., ultrasonic) signals capable of being transmitted and received by an electronic device and/or electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in an electrical device.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the description of embodiments, discussions utilizing terms such as “receiving,” “determining,” “capturing,” “extracting,” “comparing,” “performing,” “utilizing,” “transmitting,” or the like, refer to the actions and processes of an electronic device such as an electrical device.

Embodiments described herein may be discussed in the general context of processor-executable instructions residing on some form of non-transitory processor-readable medium, such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments.

In the figures, a single block may be described as performing a function or functions; however, in actual practice, the function or functions performed by that block may be performed in a single component or across multiple components, and/or may be performed using hardware, using software, or using a combination of hardware and software. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, logic, circuits, and steps have been described generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the example fingerprint sensing system and/or mobile electronic device described herein may include components other than those shown, including well-known components.

Various techniques described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof, unless specifically described as being implemented in a specific manner. Any features described as modules or components may also be implemented together in an integrated logic device or separately as discrete but interoperable logic devices. If implemented in software, the techniques may be realized at least in part by a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed, perform one or more of the methods described herein. The non-transitory processor-readable data storage medium may form part of a computer program product, which may include packaging materials.

The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium may comprise random access memory (RAM) such as synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), read only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), FLASH memory, other known storage media, and the like. The techniques additionally, or alternatively, may be realized at least in part by a processor-readable communication medium that carries or communicates code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed, read, and/or executed by a computer or other processor.

Various embodiments described herein may be executed by one or more processors, such as one or more motion processing units (MPUs), sensor processing units (SPUs), host processor(s) or core(s) thereof, digital signal processors (DSPs), general purpose microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application specific instruction set processors (ASIPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a programmable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein, or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry. The term “processor,” as used herein may refer to any of the foregoing structures or any other structure suitable for implementation of the techniques described herein. As it employed in the subject specification, the term “processor” can refer to substantially any computing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited to comprising, single-core processors; single-processors with software multithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software multithread execution capability; multi-core processors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Moreover, processors can exploit nano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

In addition, in some aspects, the functionality described herein may be provided within dedicated software modules or hardware modules configured as described herein. Also, the techniques could be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of an SPU/MPU and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with an SPU core, MPU core, or any other such configuration.

Overview of Discussion

Discussion begins with a description of an example piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT), in accordance with various embodiments. Example arrays including PMUT devices are then described. Example operations of example arrays of ultrasonic transducers (e.g., PMUT devices) are then further described, including the use of multiple PMUT devices to form a beam for capturing a pixel. Examples of a fingerprint sensor, and operations pertaining to the use of a fingerprint sensor, are then described.

Embodiments described herein relate to a method of operating a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers. When an ultrasonic transducer, such as a PMUT device, transmits an ultrasonic signal, the ultrasonic signal typically does not transmit as a straight line. Rather, the ultrasonic signal will transmit to a wider area. For instance, when traveling through a transmission medium, the ultrasonic signal will diffract, thus transmitting to a wide area.

Embodiments described herein provide fingerprint sensing system including an array of ultrasonic transducers for sensing the fingerprint. In order to accurately sense a fingerprint, it is desirable to sense a high resolution image of the fingerprint. Using multiple ultrasonic transducers, some of which are time delayed with respect to other ultrasonic transducers, embodiments described herein provide for focusing a transmit beam (e.g., forming a beam) of an ultrasonic signal to a desired point, allowing for high resolution sensing of a fingerprint, or other object. For instance, transmitting an ultrasonic signal from multiple PMUTs, where some PMUTs transmit at a time delay relative to other PMUTs, provides for focusing the ultrasonic beam to a contact point of a fingerprint sensing system (e.g., a top of a platen layer) for sensing a high resolution image of a pixel associated with the transmitting PMUTs.

Embodiments described herein further provide for the implementation of a finger detection mode for use with a fingerprint sensor operating within an electronic device. In one embodiment, the fingerprint sensor includes an array of ultrasonic transducers. The finger detection mode is operable to identify if a finger interacts with a fingerprint sensor and allows for the fingerprint sensor to operate in an always-on state, while reducing power consumption of the fingerprint sensor. In the described embodiments, the finger detection mode can operate in one or more phases to detect whether a finger has interacted with a fingerprint sensor. If it is determined that a finger has interacted with the fingerprint sensor, the fingerprint sensor may be fully powered on to capture a full image of the fingerprint for further processing. Alternatively, if it is determined that something other than a finger has interacted with the fingerprint sensor, the fingerprint sensor may remain in a low power finger detection mode (e.g., always-on state).

In various embodiments, a finger detection mode of a fingerprint sensor comprised of ultrasonic transducers is described. In a first phase of a finger detection mode, also referred to as FDMA, a first subset of ultrasonic transducers is activated to determine whether an object is interacting with fingerprint sensor. In a second phase of a finger detection mode, also referred to as FDMB, a second subset of ultrasonic transducers is activated to determine whether an object is indicative of a finger. In a third phase of a finger detection mode, also referred to as FDMC, a third subset of ultrasonic transducers is activated to determine whether an object is a finger. It should be appreciated that the finger detection mode can execute any number or combination of the phases described herein.

Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (PMUT)

Systems and methods disclosed herein, in one or more aspects provide efficient structures for an acoustic transducer (e.g., a piezoelectric micromachined actuated transducer or PMUT). One or more embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It may be evident, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the embodiments in additional detail.

As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. In addition, the word “coupled” is used herein to mean direct or indirect electrical or mechanical coupling. In addition, the word “example” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a PMUT device 100 having a center pinned membrane, according to some embodiments. PMUT device 100 includes an interior pinned membrane 120 positioned over a substrate 140 to define a cavity 130. In one embodiment, membrane 120 is attached both to a surrounding edge support 102 and interior support 104. In one embodiment, edge support 102 is connected to an electric potential. Edge support 102 and interior support 104 may be made of electrically conducting materials, such as and without limitation, aluminum, molybdenum, or titanium. Edge support 102 and interior support 104 may also be made of dielectric materials, such as silicon dioxide, silicon nitride or aluminum oxide that have electrical connections on the sides or in vias through edge support 102 or interior support 104, electrically coupling lower electrode 106 to electrical wiring in substrate 140.

In one embodiment, both edge support 102 and interior support 104 are attached to a substrate 140. In various embodiments, substrate 140 may include at least one of, and without limitation, silicon or silicon nitride. It should be appreciated that substrate 140 may include electrical wirings and connection, such as aluminum or copper. In one embodiment, substrate 140 includes a CMOS logic wafer bonded to edge support 102 and interior support 104. In one embodiment, the membrane 120 comprises multiple layers. In an example embodiment, the membrane 120 includes lower electrode 106, piezoelectric layer 110, and upper electrode 108, where lower electrode 106 and upper electrode 108 are coupled to opposing sides of piezoelectric layer 110. As shown, lower electrode 106 is coupled to a lower surface of piezoelectric layer 110 and upper electrode 108 is coupled to an upper surface of piezoelectric layer 110. It should be appreciated that, in various embodiments, PMUT device 100 is a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device.

In one embodiment, membrane 120 also includes a mechanical support layer 112 (e.g., stiffening layer) to mechanically stiffen the layers. In various embodiments, mechanical support layer 112 may include at least one of, and without limitation, silicon, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, aluminum, molybdenum, titanium, etc. In one embodiment, PMUT device 100 also includes an acoustic coupling layer 114 above membrane 120 for supporting transmission of acoustic signals. It should be appreciated that acoustic coupling layer can include air, liquid, gel-like materials, epoxy, or other materials for supporting transmission of acoustic signals. In one embodiment, PMUT device 100 also includes platen layer 116 above acoustic coupling layer 114 for containing acoustic coupling layer 114 and providing a contact surface for a finger or other sensed object with PMUT device 100. It should be appreciated that, in various embodiments, acoustic coupling layer 114 provides a contact surface, such that platen layer 116 is optional. Moreover, it should be appreciated that acoustic coupling layer 114 and/or platen layer 116 may be included with or used in conjunction with multiple PMUT devices. For example, an array of PMUT devices may be coupled with a single acoustic coupling layer 114 and/or platen layer 116.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of membrane movement during activation of PMUT device 100, according to some embodiments. As illustrated with respect to FIG. 2, in operation, responsive to an object proximate platen layer 116, the electrodes 106 and 108 deliver a high frequency electric charge to the piezoelectric layer 110, causing those portions of the membrane 120 not pinned to the surrounding edge support 102 or interior support 104 to be displaced upward into the acoustic coupling layer 114. This generates a pressure wave that can be used for signal probing of the object. Return echoes can be detected as pressure waves causing movement of the membrane, with compression of the piezoelectric material in the membrane causing an electrical signal proportional to amplitude of the pressure wave.

The described PMUT device 100 can be used with almost any electrical device that converts a pressure wave into mechanical vibrations and/or electrical signals. In one aspect, the PMUT device 100 can comprise an acoustic sensing element (e.g., a piezoelectric element) that generates and senses ultrasonic sound waves. An object in a path of the generated sound waves can create a disturbance (e.g., changes in frequency or phase, reflection signal, echoes, etc.) that can then be sensed. The interference can be analyzed to determine physical parameters such as (but not limited to) distance, density and/or speed of the object. As an example, the PMUT device 100 can be utilized in various applications, such as, but not limited to, fingerprint or physiologic sensors suitable for wireless devices, industrial systems, automotive systems, robotics, telecommunications, security, medical devices, etc. For example, the PMUT device 100 can be part of a sensor array comprising a plurality of ultrasonic transducers deposited on a wafer, along with various logic, control and communication electronics. A sensor array may comprise homogenous or identical PMUT devices 100, or a number of different or heterogonous device structures.

In various embodiments, the PMUT device 100 employs a piezoelectric layer 110, comprised of materials such as, but not limited to, aluminum nitride (AlN), scandium doped aluminum nitride (ScAlN), lead zirconate titanate (PZT), quartz, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and/or zinc oxide, to facilitate both acoustic signal production and sensing. The piezoelectric layer 110 can generate electric charges under mechanical stress and conversely experience a mechanical strain in the presence of an electric field. For example, the piezoelectric layer 110 can sense mechanical vibrations caused by an ultrasonic signal and produce an electrical charge at the frequency (e.g., ultrasonic frequency) of the vibrations. Additionally, the piezoelectric layer 110 can generate an ultrasonic wave by vibrating in an oscillatory fashion that might be at the same frequency (e.g., ultrasonic frequency) as an input current generated by an alternating current (AC) voltage applied across the piezoelectric layer 110. It should be appreciated that the piezoelectric layer 110 can include almost any material (or combination of materials) that exhibits piezoelectric properties, such that the structure of the material does not have a center of symmetry and a tensile or compressive stress applied to the material alters the separation between positive and negative charge sites in a cell causing a polarization at the surface of the material. The polarization is directly proportional to the applied stress and is direction dependent so that compressive and tensile stresses results in electric fields of opposite polarizations.

Further, the PMUT device 100 comprises electrodes 106 and 108 that supply and/or collect the electrical charge to/from the piezoelectric layer 110. It should be appreciated that electrodes 106 and 108 can be continuous and/or patterned electrodes (e.g., in a continuous layer and/or a patterned layer). For example, as illustrated, electrode 106 is a patterned electrode and electrode 108 is a continuous electrode. As an example, electrodes 106 and 108 can be comprised of almost any metal layers, such as, but not limited to, Aluminum (Al)/Titanium (Ti), Molybdenum (Mo), etc., which are coupled with and on opposing sides of the piezoelectric layer 110. In one embodiment, PMUT device also includes a third electrode, as illustrated in FIG. 10 and described below.

According to an embodiment, the acoustic impedance of acoustic coupling layer 114 is selected to be similar to the acoustic impedance of the platen layer 116, such that the acoustic wave is efficiently propagated to/from the membrane 120 through acoustic coupling layer 114 and platen layer 116. As an example, the platen layer 116 can comprise various materials having an acoustic impedance in the range between 0.8 to 4 MRayl, such as, but not limited to, plastic, resin, rubber, Teflon, epoxy, etc. In another example, the platen layer 116 can comprise various materials having a high acoustic impedance (e.g., an acoustic impendence greater than 10 MRayl), such as, but not limited to, glass, aluminum-based alloys, sapphire, etc. Typically, the platen layer 116 can be selected based on an application of the sensor. For instance, in fingerprinting applications, platen layer 116 can have an acoustic impedance that matches (e.g., exactly or approximately) the acoustic impedance of human skin (e.g., 1.6×10⁶ Rayl). Further, in one aspect, the platen layer 116 can further include a thin layer of anti-scratch material. In various embodiments, the anti-scratch layer of the platen layer 116 is less than the wavelength of the acoustic wave that is to be generated and/or sensed to provide minimum interference during propagation of the acoustic wave. As an example, the anti-scratch layer can comprise various hard and scratch-resistant materials (e.g., having a Mohs hardness of over 7 on the Mohs scale), such as, but not limited to sapphire, glass, MN, Titanium nitride (TiN), Silicon carbide (SiC), diamond, etc. As an example, PMUT device 100 can operate at 20 MHz and accordingly, the wavelength of the acoustic wave propagating through the acoustic coupling layer 114 and platen layer 116 can be 70-150 microns. In this example scenario, insertion loss can be reduced and acoustic wave propagation efficiency can be improved by utilizing an anti-scratch layer having a thickness of 1 micron and the platen layer 116 as a whole having a thickness of 1-2 millimeters. It is noted that the term “anti-scratch material” as used herein relates to a material that is resistant to scratches and/or scratch-proof and provides substantial protection against scratch marks.

In accordance with various embodiments, the PMUT device 100 can include metal layers (e.g., Aluminum (Al)/Titanium (Ti), Molybdenum (Mo), etc.) patterned to form electrode 106 in particular shapes (e.g., ring, circle, square, octagon, hexagon, etc.) that are defined in-plane with the membrane 120. Electrodes can be placed at a maximum strain area of the membrane 120 or placed at close to either or both the surrounding edge support 102 and interior support 104. Furthermore, in one example, electrode 108 can be formed as a continuous layer providing a ground plane in contact with mechanical support layer 112, which can be formed from silicon or other suitable mechanical stiffening material. In still other embodiments, the electrode 106 can be routed along the interior support 104, advantageously reducing parasitic capacitance as compared to routing along the edge support 102.

For example, when actuation voltage is applied to the electrodes, the membrane 120 will deform and move out of plane. The motion then pushes the acoustic coupling layer 114 it is in contact with and an acoustic (ultrasonic) wave is generated. Oftentimes, vacuum is present inside the cavity 130 and therefore damping contributed from the media within the cavity 130 can be ignored. However, the acoustic coupling layer 114 on the other side of the membrane 120 can substantially change the damping of the PMUT device 100. For example, a quality factor greater than 20 can be observed when the PMUT device 100 is operating in air with atmosphere pressure (e.g., acoustic coupling layer 114 is air) and can decrease lower than 2 if the PMUT device 100 is operating in water (e.g., acoustic coupling layer 114 is water).

FIG. 3 is a top view of the PMUT device 100 of FIG. 1 having a substantially square shape, which corresponds in part to a cross section along dotted line 101 in FIG. 3. Layout of surrounding edge support 102, interior support 104, and lower electrode 106 are illustrated, with other continuous layers not shown. It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” in “substantially square shape” is intended to convey that a PMUT device 100 is generally square-shaped, with allowances for variations due to manufacturing processes and tolerances, and that slight deviation from a square shape (e.g., rounded corners, slightly wavering lines, deviations from perfectly orthogonal corners or intersections, etc.) may be present in a manufactured device. While a generally square arrangement PMUT device is shown, alternative embodiments including rectangular, hexagon, octagonal, circular, or elliptical are contemplated. In other embodiments, more complex electrode or PMUT device shapes can be used, including irregular and non-symmetric layouts such as chevrons or pentagons for edge support and electrodes.

FIG. 4 is a simulated topographic map 400 illustrating maximum vertical displacement of the membrane 120 of the PMUT device 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3. As indicated, maximum displacement generally occurs along a center axis of the lower electrode, with corner regions having the greatest displacement. As with the other figures, FIG. 4 is not drawn to scale with the vertical displacement exaggerated for illustrative purposes, and the maximum vertical displacement is a fraction of the horizontal surface area comprising the PMUT device 100. In an example PMUT device 100, maximum vertical displacement may be measured in nanometers, while surface area of an individual PMUT device 100 may be measured in square microns.

FIG. 5 is a top view of another example of the PMUT device 100 of FIG. 1 having a substantially circular shape, which corresponds in part to a cross section along dotted line 101 in FIG. 5. Layout of surrounding edge support 102, interior support 104, and lower electrode 106 are illustrated, with other continuous layers not shown. It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” in “substantially circular shape” is intended to convey that a PMUT device 100 is generally circle-shaped, with allowances for variations due to manufacturing processes and tolerances, and that slight deviation from a circle shape (e.g., slight deviations on radial distance from center, etc.) may be present in a manufactured device.

FIG. 6 is a top view of another example of the PMUT device 100 of FIG. 1 having a substantially hexagonal shape, which corresponds in part to a cross section along dotted line 101 in FIG. 6. Layout of surrounding edge support 102, interior support 104, and lower electrode 106 are illustrated, with other continuous layers not shown. It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” in “substantially hexagonal shape” is intended to convey that a PMUT device 100 is generally hexagon-shaped, with allowances for variations due to manufacturing processes and tolerances, and that slight deviation from a hexagon shape (e.g., rounded corners, slightly wavering lines, deviations from perfectly orthogonal corners or intersections, etc.) may be present in a manufactured device.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example two-dimensional array 700 of circular-shaped PMUT devices 701 formed from PMUT devices having a substantially circular shape similar to that discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2 and 5. Layout of circular surrounding edge support 702, interior support 704, and annular or ring shaped lower electrode 706 surrounding the interior support 704 are illustrated, while other continuous layers are not shown for clarity. As illustrated, array 700 includes columns of circular-shaped PMUT devices 701 that are offset. It should be appreciated that the circular-shaped PMUT devices 701 may be closer together, such that edges of the columns of circular-shaped PMUT devices 701 overlap. Moreover, it should be appreciated that circular-shaped PMUT devices 701 may contact each other. In various embodiments, adjacent circular-shaped PMUT devices 701 are electrically isolated. In other embodiments, groups of adjacent circular-shaped PMUT devices 701 are electrically connected, where the groups of adjacent circular-shaped PMUT devices 701 are electrically isolated.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example two-dimensional array 800 of square-shaped PMUT devices 801 formed from PMUT devices having a substantially square shape similar to that discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. Layout of square surrounding edge support 802, interior support 804, and square-shaped lower electrode 806 surrounding the interior support 804 are illustrated, while other continuous layers are not shown for clarity. As illustrated, array 800 includes columns of square-shaped PMUT devices 801 that are in rows and columns. It should be appreciated that rows or columns of the square-shaped PMUT devices 801 may be offset. Moreover, it should be appreciated that square-shaped PMUT devices 801 may contact each other or be spaced apart. In various embodiments, adjacent square-shaped PMUT devices 801 are electrically isolated. In other embodiments, groups of adjacent square-shaped PMUT devices 801 are electrically connected, where the groups of adjacent square-shaped PMUT devices 801 are electrically isolated.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example two-dimensional array 900 of hexagon-shaped PMUT devices 901 formed from PMUT devices having a substantially hexagon shape similar to that discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2 and 6. Layout of hexagon-shaped surrounding edge support 902, interior support 904, and hexagon-shaped lower electrode 906 surrounding the interior support 904 are illustrated, while other continuous layers are not shown for clarity. It should be appreciated that rows or columns of the hexagon-shaped PMUT devices 901 may be offset. Moreover, it should be appreciated that hexagon-shaped PMUT devices 901 may contact each other or be spaced apart. In various embodiments, adjacent hexagon-shaped PMUT devices 901 are electrically isolated. In other embodiments, groups of adjacent hexagon-shaped PMUT devices 901 are electrically connected, where the groups of adjacent hexagon-shaped PMUT devices 901 are electrically isolated. While FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate example layouts of PMUT devices having different shapes, it should be appreciated that many different layouts are available. Moreover, in accordance with various embodiments, arrays of PMUT devices are included within a MEMS layer.

In operation, during transmission, selected sets of PMUT devices in the two-dimensional array can transmit an acoustic signal (e.g., a short ultrasonic pulse) and during sensing, the set of active PMUT devices in the two-dimensional array can detect an interference of the acoustic signal with an object (in the path of the acoustic wave). The received interference signal (e.g., generated based on reflections, echoes, etc. of the acoustic signal from the object) can then be analyzed. As an example, an image of the object, a distance of the object from the sensing component, a density of the object, a motion of the object, etc., can all be determined based on comparing a frequency and/or phase of the interference signal with a frequency and/or phase of the acoustic signal. Moreover, results generated can be further analyzed or presented to a user via a display device (not shown).

FIG. 10 illustrates a pair of example PMUT devices 1000 in a PMUT array, with each PMUT sharing at least one common edge support 1002. As illustrated, the PMUT devices have two sets of independent lower electrode labeled as 1006 and 1026. These differing electrode patterns enable antiphase operation of the PMUT devices 1000, and increase flexibility of device operation. In one embodiment, the pair of PMUTs may be identical, but the two electrodes could drive different parts of the same PMUT antiphase (one contracting, and one extending), such that the PMUT displacement becomes larger. While other continuous layers are not shown for clarity, each PMUT also includes an upper electrode (e.g., upper electrode 108 of FIG. 1). Accordingly, in various embodiments, a PMUT device may include at least three electrodes.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D illustrate alternative examples of interior support structures, in accordance with various embodiments. Interior supports structures may also be referred to as “pinning structures,” as they operate to pin the membrane to the substrate. It should be appreciated that interior support structures may be positioned anywhere within a cavity of a PMUT device, and may have any type of shape (or variety of shapes), and that there may be more than one interior support structure within a PMUT device. While FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D illustrate alternative examples of interior support structures, it should be appreciated that these examples are for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the number, position, or type of interior support structures of PMUT devices.

For example, interior supports structures do not have to be centrally located with a PMUT device area, but can be non-centrally positioned within the cavity. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, interior support 1104 a is positioned in a non-central, off-axis position with respect to edge support 1102. In other embodiments such as seen in FIG. 11B, multiple interior supports 1104 b can be used. In this embodiment, one interior support is centrally located with respect to edge support 1102, while the multiple, differently shaped and sized interior supports surround the centrally located support. In still other embodiments, such as seen with respect to FIGS. 11C and 11D, the interior supports (respectively 1104 c and 1104 d) can contact a common edge support 1102. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11D, the interior supports 1104 d can effectively divide the PMUT device into subpixels. This would allow, for example, activation of smaller areas to generate high frequency ultrasonic waves, and sensing a returning ultrasonic echo with larger areas of the PMUT device. It will be appreciated that the individual pinning structures can be combined into arrays.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a PMUT array used in an ultrasonic fingerprint sensing system 1250. The fingerprint sensing system 1250 can include a platen 1216 onto which a human finger 1252 may make contact. Ultrasonic signals are generated and received by a PMUT device array 1200, and travel back and forth through acoustic coupling layer 1214 and platen 1216. Signal analysis is conducted using processing logic module 1240 (e.g., control logic) directly attached (via wafer bonding or other suitable techniques) to the PMUT device array 1200. It will be appreciated that the size of platen 1216 and the other elements illustrated in FIG. 12 may be much larger (e.g., the size of a handprint) or much smaller (e.g., just a fingertip) than as shown in the illustration, depending on the particular application.

In this example for fingerprinting applications, the human finger 1252 and the processing logic module 1240 can determine, based on a difference in interference of the acoustic signal with valleys and/or ridges of the skin on the finger, an image depicting epi-dermis and/or dermis layers of the finger. Further, the processing logic module 1240 can compare the image with a set of known fingerprint images to facilitate identification and/or authentication. Moreover, in one example, if a match (or substantial match) is found, the identity of user can be verified. In another example, if a match (or substantial match) is found, a command/operation can be performed based on an authorization rights assigned to the identified user. In yet another example, the identified user can be granted access to a physical location and/or network/computer resources (e.g., documents, files, applications, etc.)

In another example, for finger-based applications, the movement of the finger can be used for cursor tracking/movement applications. In such embodiments, a pointer or cursor on a display screen can be moved in response to finger movement. It is noted that processing logic module 1240 can include or be connected to one or more processors configured to confer at least in part the functionality of system 1250. To that end, the one or more processors can execute code instructions stored in memory, for example, volatile memory and/or nonvolatile memory.

FIG. 13 illustrates an integrated fingerprint sensor 1300 formed by wafer bonding a CMOS logic wafer and a MEMS wafer defining PMUT devices, according to some embodiments. FIG. 13 illustrates in partial cross section one embodiment of an integrated fingerprint sensor formed by wafer bonding a substrate 1340 CMOS logic wafer and a MEMS wafer defining PMUT devices having a common edge support 1302 and separate interior support 1304. For example, the MEMS wafer may be bonded to the CMOS logic wafer using aluminum and germanium eutectic alloys, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,442,570. PMUT device 1300 has an interior pinned membrane 1320 formed over a cavity 1330. The membrane 1320 is attached both to a surrounding edge support 1302 and interior support 1304. The membrane 1320 is formed from multiple layers.

Example Operation of a Two-Dimensional Array of Ultrasonic Transducers

Systems and methods disclosed herein, in one or more aspects provide for the operation of a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers (e.g., an array of piezoelectric micromachined actuated transducers or PMUTs). One or more embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It may be evident, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the embodiments in additional detail.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example ultrasonic transducer system 1400 with phase delayed transmission, according to some embodiments. As illustrated, FIG. 14 shows ultrasonic beam transmission and reception using a one-dimensional, five-element, ultrasonic transducer system 1400 having phase delayed inputs 1410. In various embodiments, ultrasonic transducer system 1400 is comprised of PMUT devices having a center pinned membrane (e.g., PMUT device 100 of FIG. 1).

As illustrated, ultrasonic transducer system 1400 includes five ultrasonic transducers 1402 including a piezoelectric material and activating electrodes that are covered with a continuous stiffening layer 1404 (e.g., a mechanical support layer). Stiffening layer 1404 contacts acoustic coupling layer 1406, and in turn is covered by a platen layer 1408. In various embodiments, the stiffening layer 1404 can be silicon, and the platen layer 1408 formed from metal, glass, sapphire, or polycarbonate or similar durable plastic. The intermediately positioned acoustic coupling layer 1406 can be formed from a plastic or gel such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), epoxy, or other material. In one embodiment, the material of acoustic coupling layer 1406 has an acoustic impedance selected to be between the acoustic impedance of layers 1404 and 1408. In one embodiment, the material of acoustic coupling layer 1406 has an acoustic impedance selected to be close the acoustic impedance of platen layer 1408, to reduce unwanted acoustic reflections and improve ultrasonic beam transmission and sensing. However, alternative material stacks to the one shown in FIG. 14 may be used and certain layers may be omitted, provided the medium through which transmission occurs passes signals in a predictable way.

In operation, and as illustrated in FIG. 14, the ultrasonic transducers 1402 labelled with an “x” are triggered to emit ultrasonic waves at an initial time. At a second time, (e.g., 1-100 nanoseconds later), the ultrasonic transducers 1402 labelled with a “y” are triggered. At a third time (e.g., 1-100 nanoseconds after the second time) the ultrasonic transducer 1402 labelled with a “z” is triggered. The ultrasonic waves transmitted at different times cause interference with each other, effectively resulting in a single high intensity beam 1420 that exits the platen layer 1408, contacts objects, such as a finger (not shown), that contact the platen layer 1408, and is in part reflected back to the ultrasonic transducers. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducers 1402 are switched from a transmission mode to a reception mode, allowing the “z” ultrasonic transducer to detect any reflected signals. In other words, the phase delay pattern of the ultrasonic transducers 1402 is symmetric about the focal point where high intensity beam 1420 exits platen layer 1408.

It should be appreciated that an ultrasonic transducer 1402 of ultrasonic transducer system 1400 may be used to transmit and/or receive an ultrasonic signal, and that the illustrated embodiment is a non-limiting example. The received signal 1422 (e.g., generated based on reflections, echoes, etc. of the acoustic signal from an object contacting or near the platen layer 1408) can then be analyzed. As an example, an image of the object, a distance of the object from the sensing component, acoustic impedance of the object, a motion of the object, etc., can all be determined based on comparing a frequency, amplitude and/or phase of the received interference signal with a frequency, amplitude and/or phase of the transmitted acoustic signal. Moreover, results generated can be further analyzed or presented to a user via a display device (not shown).

FIG. 15 illustrates another example ultrasonic transducer system 1500 with phase delayed transmission, according to some embodiments. As illustrated, FIG. 15 shows ultrasonic beam transmission and reception using a virtual block of two-dimensional, 24-element, ultrasonic transducers that form a subset of a 40-element ultrasonic transducer system 1500 having phase delayed inputs. In operation, an array position 1530 (represented by the dotted line), also referred to herein as a virtual block, includes columns 1520, 1522 and 1524 of ultrasonic transducers 1502. At an initial time, columns 1520 and 1524 of array position 1530 are triggered to emit ultrasonic waves at an initial time. At a second time (e.g., several nanoseconds later), column 1522 of array position 1530 is triggered. The ultrasonic waves interfere with each other, substantially resulting in emission of a high intensity ultrasonic wave centered on column 1522. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducers 1502 in columns 1520 and 1524 are switched off, while column 1522 is switched from a transmission mode to a reception mode, allowing detection of any reflected signals.

In one embodiment, after the activation of ultrasonic transducers 1502 of array position 1530, ultrasonic transducers 1502 of another array position 1532, comprised of columns 1524, 1526, and 1528 of ultrasonic transducers 1502 are triggered in a manner similar to that described in the foregoing description of array position 1530. In one embodiment, ultrasonic transducers 1502 of another array position 1532 are activated after a detection of a reflected ultrasonic signal at column 1522 of array position 1530. It should be appreciated that while movement of the array position by two columns of ultrasonic transducers is illustrated, movement by one, three, or more columns rightward or leftward is contemplated, as is movement by one or more rows, or by movement by both some determined number of rows and columns. In various embodiments, successive array positions can be either overlapping in part, or can be distinct. In some embodiments the size of array positions can be varied. In various embodiments, the number of ultrasonic transducers 1502 of an array position for emitting ultrasonic waves can be larger than the number of ultrasonic transducers 1502 of an array position for ultrasonic reception. In still other embodiments, array positions can be square, rectangular, ellipsoidal, circular, or more complex shapes such as crosses.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example phase delay pattern for ultrasonic signal transmission of a 9×9 ultrasonic transducer block 1600 of a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers, according to some embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 16, each number in the ultrasonic transducer array is equivalent to the nanosecond delay used during operation, and an empty element (e.g., no number) in the ultrasonic transducer block 1600 means that an ultrasonic transducer is not activated for signal transmission during operation. In various embodiments, ultrasonic wave amplitude can be the same or similar for each activated ultrasonic transducer, or can be selectively increased or decreased relative to other ultrasonic transducers. In the illustrated pattern, initial ultrasonic transducer activation is limited to corners of ultrasonic transducer block 1600, followed 10 nanoseconds later by a rough ring around the edges of ultrasonic transducer block 1600. After 23 nanoseconds, an interior ring of ultrasonic transducers is activated. Together, the twenty-four activated ultrasonic transducers generate an ultrasonic beam centered on the ultrasonic transducer block 1600. In other words, the phase delay pattern of ultrasonic transducer block 1600 is symmetric about the focal point where a high intensity beam contacts an object.

It should be appreciated that different ultrasonic transducers of ultrasonic transducer block 1600 may be activated for receipt of reflected ultrasonic signals. For example, the center 3×3 ultrasonic transducers of ultrasonic transducer block 1600 may be activated to receive the reflected ultrasonic signals. In another example, the ultrasonic transducers used to transmit the ultrasonic signal are also used to receive the reflected ultrasonic signal. In another example, the ultrasonic transducers used to receive the reflected ultrasonic signals include at least one of the ultrasonic transducers also used to transmit the ultrasonic signals.

FIG. 17 illustrates another example phase delay pattern for a 9×9 ultrasonic transducer block 1700, according to some embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the example phase delay pattern utilizes equidistant spacing of transmitting ultrasonic transducers. As illustrated in FIG. 16, each number in the ultrasonic transducer array is equivalent to the nanosecond delay used during operation, and an empty element (e.g., no number) in the ultrasonic transducer block 1700 means that an ultrasonic transducer is not activated for signal transmission during operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the initial ultrasonic transducer activation is limited to corners of ultrasonic transducer block 1700, followed 11 nanoseconds later by a rough ring around the edges of ultrasonic transducer block 1700. After 22 nanoseconds, an interior ring of ultrasonic transducers is activated. The illustrated embodiment utilizes equidistant spacing of the transmitting ultrasonic transducers to reduce issues with crosstalk and heating, wherein each activated ultrasonic transducers is surrounded by un-activated ultrasonic transducers. Together, the twenty-four activated ultrasonic transducers generate an ultrasonic beam centered on the ultrasonic transducer block 1700.

Example Operation of a Fingerprint Sensor Comprised of Ultrasonic Transducers

Various embodiments described herein provide a finger detection mode for identifying if a finger has been placed on a fingerprint sensor. If a finger's presence is detected on the fingerprint sensor, in one embodiment, the system will exit the finger detection mode in order to capture the fingerprint image. Embodiments described herein provide for a finger detection mode that minimizes the number of false rejects and minimizes power consumption of the fingerprint sensor. In finger detection mode, a false reject is defined as failing to recognize that a finger is present on the sensor when a finger is in fact interacting with the fingerprint sensor. False rejects are viewed as catastrophic failures in finger detection mode, because they could prevent a user from turning on the device. False accepts (e.g., the fingerprint sensor detects a finger when no finger is present) increase the average power consumption of the system because the fingerprint sensor and associated processor activate to do a full fingerprint scan even though no finger is present. As a result, minimizing false accepts is related to minimizing power consumption.

The disclosure recognizes and addresses, in at least certain embodiments, the issue of power consumption and lack of a power efficient always-on approach to sensing and analyzing human touch at a device. To that end, embodiments described herein permit or otherwise facilitate sensing of human touch that can be performed continuously or nearly continuously by separating a low-power detection stage from a full-power analysis stage. The detection stage is implemented continuously or nearly continuously and causes system circuitry to perform analysis of the human touch after the low-power detection stage has confirmed the human touch.

Implementation of the low-power detection stage permits removal of physical actuation device (e.g., buttons or the like) while maintaining low power consumption. Absence of a physical actuation device does not hinder low-power consumption and does simplify user-device interaction when sensing human touch. While embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated with reference to a mobile electronic device, the embodiments are not limited in this respect and the embodiments can be applied to any device (mobile or otherwise) having a surface that is sensitive to touch and permits or otherwise facilitates control of the device by an end-user. Such a touch-sensitive surface can embody or can constitute, for example, a fingerprint sensor. Mobile devices can be embodied in or can include consumer electronics devices (e.g., smartphones, portable gaming devices); vehicular devices (such as navigation and/or entertainment system device); medical devices; keys (e.g., for locking and gaining access to buildings, storage receptacles, cars, etc.); and the like.

When compared to conventional technologies, embodiments described herein can provide numerous improvements. For example, splitting the sensing of human touch into a low power, always-on detection stage and a triggered, full-power analysis stage permits sensing human touch continuously or nearly continuously, without causing battery drainage or other inefficiencies. Therefore, embodiments described herein permit removal of physical actuation triggers that are present in typical consumer electronics products, thus simplifying user-device interaction while sensing human touch. More specifically, rather than asking an end-user to provide some activation trigger (such as pressing a button) before the fingerprint sensing is turned on, for example, the low-power detection stage of the disclosure is implemented continuously and triggers analysis when human touch is detected. For another example, in view of the removal of physical actuation device for human sensing, embodiments of the disclosure provide greater flexibility of product design. In one embodiment, a touch-screen display device can be implemented with a uniform (and fixed) screen without a button press section. As such, the touch-screen display device can provide always-on sensing of human touch while providing larger viewing area and lower manufacturing cost for a product incorporating embodiments of this disclosure. In contrast, conventional sensor technology can operate one-hundred percent of the time if a physical trigger is not desired, which would impose prohibitive power consumption demands.

With reference to the drawings, FIG. 18A illustrates an example of an operational environment 1800 for sensing of human touch in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As illustrated, a device 1810 includes a fingerprint sensor 1815 or other type of surface sensitive to touch. In one embodiment, fingerprint sensor 1815 is disposed beneath a touch-screen display device of device 1810. In another embodiment, fingerprint sensor 1815 is disposed adjacent or close to a touch-screen display device of device 1810. In another embodiment, fingerprint sensor 1815 is comprised within a touch-screen display device of device 1810. In another embodiment, finger print sensor 1815 is disposed on the side or back of the device. It should be appreciated that device 1810 includes a fingerprint sensor 1815 for sensing a fingerprint of a finger interacting with device 1810.

In one embodiment, a human finger (represented by a hand 1820), can touch or interact with a specific area of device 1810 proximate fingerprint sensor 1815. In various embodiments, fingerprint sensor 1815 can be hard and need not include movable parts, such as a sensor button configured to detect human touch or otherwise cause the device 1810 to respond to human touch. The device 1810 can include circuitry that can operate in response to touch (human or otherwise) of the touch-screen display device and/or fingerprint sensor 1815 (or, in some embodiments, the other type of touch sensitive surface).

In accordance with the described embodiments, device 1810 includes always-on circuitry 1830 and system circuitry 1840. It should be appreciated that components of always-on circuitry 1830 and system circuitry 1840 might be disposed within the same componentry, and are conceptually distinguished herein such that always-on circuity 1830 includes components that are always-on, or mostly always-on, and system circuitry 1840 includes components that are powered off until they are powered on, for example, in response to an activation signal received from always-on circuitry 1830. For example, such circuitry can be operatively coupled (e.g., electrically coupled, communicative coupled, etc.) via a bus architecture 1835 (or bus 1835) or conductive conduits configured to permit the exchange of signals between the always-on circuitry 1830 and the system circuitry 1840. In some embodiments, a printed circuit board (PCB) placed behind a touch-screen display device can include the always-on circuitry 1830, the system circuitry 1840, and the bus 1835. In one embodiment, the always-on circuitry 1830 and the system circuitry 1840 can be configured or otherwise arranged in a single semiconductor die. In another embodiment, the always-on circuitry 1830 can be configured or otherwise arranged in a first semiconductor die and the system circuitry 1840 can be configured or otherwise arranged in a second semiconductor die. In addition, in some embodiments, the bus 1835 can be embodied in or can include a dedicated conducting wire or a dedicated data line that connects the always-on circuitry 1830 and the system circuitry 1840. Always-on circuitry 1830 may be a sensor processor (or included within a sensor processor) that also controls the fingerprint sensor, and system circuitry 1840 may be the host processor or application processor or included within the host processor or application processor of device 1810.

The always-on circuitry 1830 can operate as sensor for human touch and the system circuitry 1840, or a portion thereof, can permit or otherwise facilitate analysis of the human touch. As described herein, always-on circuitry 1830 includes fingerprint sensor 1815. For example, responsive to capturing an image of a fingerprint, fingerprint sensor 1815 can transmit the captured image to system circuitry 1840 for analysis.

The analysis can include fingerprint recognition or other types of biometric evaluations. The always-on circuitry 1830 can be energized or otherwise power-on continuously or nearly continuously and can be configured to monitor touch of fingerprint sensor 1815. In addition, in response to human touch (e.g., touch by a human finger or other human body part), the always-on circuitry 1830 can be further configured to trigger detection and/or another type of analysis of elements of the human touch or a human body associated therewith. To at least that end, the always-on circuitry 1830 can be configured to implement a first phase of a finger detection mode (also referred to as FDMA). The always-on circuitry 1830 can also be configured to implement a second phase of a finger detection mode (also referred to as FDMB) and/or a third phase of a finger detection mode (also referred to as FDMC). It should be appreciated that always-on circuitry 1830 can implement any phase of the finger detection mode independently, in any combination, or in any order.

FIG. 18B illustrates an example fingerprint sensor 1815, in accordance with various embodiments. In one embodiment, fingerprint sensor 1815 includes an array 1850 of ultrasonic transducers (e.g., PMUT devices), a processor 1860, and a memory 1870. In various embodiments, processor 1860 performs certain operations in accordance with instructions stored within memory 1870. It should be appreciated that components of fingerprint sensor 1815 are examples, and that certain components, such as processor 1860 and/or memory 1870 may not be located within fingerprint sensor 1815. For example, always-on circuitry 1830 or system circuitry 1840 may include a processor and/or memory for performing certain operations.

In one embodiment, fingerprint sensor 1815 includes processor 1860 for performing the pixel capture, where pixel capture is performed using subsets of ultrasonic transducers (e.g., PMUTs) of fingerprint sensor 1815. In other embodiments, processor 1860 can perform at least some signal analysis, e.g., thresholding, to determine whether an object has interacted with fingerprint sensor 1815. In other embodiments, processor 1860 can analyze captured pixels and determine whether the object has characteristics of finger, e.g., a pattern resembling the ridge/valley pattern of a fingerprint. In other embodiments, processor 1860 can capture an image of the fingerprint and forward it to a processor of system circuitry 1840 for further analysis.

While the embodiment of FIG. 18B includes processor 1860 and memory 1870, as described above, it should be appreciated that various functions of processor 1860 and memory 1870 may reside in other components of device 1810 (e.g., within always-on circuitry 1830 or system circuitry 1840). Moreover, it should be appreciated that processor 1860 may be any type of processor for performing any portion of the described functionality (e.g., custom digital logic).

In various embodiments, a power supply can energize at least a portion of the system circuitry 1840 according with trigger signaling (or other type of control signal) provided (e.g., generated and transmitted) by the always-on circuitry 1830. For example, system circuitry 1840 can include a power controller that can receive trigger signaling (e.g., a control instruction) and, in response, can energize at least one processor of the system circuitry 1840 from a power-save state to a full-power state. The at least one processor that transitions from the power-save state to the full power state can execute one or more analyses in order to analyze features (e.g., fingerprints) of an image of a fingerprint from the fingerprint sensor 1815 that triggered the trigger signaling. In various embodiments, the analysis of the image of a fingerprint can include computer-accessible instruction (e.g., computer-readable instructions and/or computer-executable instructions) that in response to execution by a processor can permit or otherwise facilitate the device 1810 to implement a defined algorithm (or process) for fingerprint identification or analysis.

In various embodiments, fingerprint sensor 1815 can include ultrasonic transducers (e.g., PMUTs) or capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs)) able to generate and detect acoustic/pressure waves. Examples of PMUT devices and arrays of PMUT devices are described in accordance with FIGS. 1-17 above. In embodiments, a device 1810 includes fingerprint sensor 1815 comprised of an array of ultrasonic transducers that can facilitate ultrasonic signal generation and sensing. For example, fingerprint sensor 1815 can include a silicon wafer having a two-dimensional (or one-dimensional) array of ultrasonic transducers.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example operational flow 1900 for detecting the presence of a finger on a fingerprint sensor 1815, according to an embodiment. Always-on circuitry 1830 includes circuitry to respond to a determination that the touch is associated with a human finger. Always-on circuitry 1830 includes circuitry to trigger activation of different subset of ultrasonic transducers for executing different finger detect modes responsive to determinations at respective finger detect modes, including activating all of the ultrasonic transducers of the array of ultrasonic transducers in the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor to capture an image of the fingerprint of a detected finger. In one embodiment, fingerprint sensor 1815 has an array of ultrasonic transducers comprised within always-on circuitry 1830 to detect a touch of the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor by reading an always-on first subset of ultrasonic transducers of the array of ultrasonic transducers.

During operation 1910, an object present determination, also referred to herein as a first phase of a finger detection mode or FDMA, is performed. Operation 1910, embodiments of which will be further described below, activates a first subset of ultrasonic transducers to determine whether an object is interacting with fingerprint sensor 1815. A first confidence threshold may be used, and if the confidence that operation 1910 detects an object with a confidence factor above the first confidence threshold, the system may proceed to a next finger detection mode. More than one confidence threshold may be used, and depending on which threshold is passes, a certain next finger detection mode may be selected.

During operation 1920, a one-dimensional object structure determination, also referred to herein as a second phase of a finger detection mode or FDMB, is performed. In one embodiment, in response to detecting the touch using the always-on first subset of ultrasonic transducers, operation 1920, embodiments of which will be further described below, is initiated in which a second subset of ultrasonic transducers is activated to perform one-dimensional structure analysis to determine if the touch is associated with a human finger. For example, the one-dimensional structure analysis may be configured to detect patterns indicative of ridge/valley patterns of a fingerprint. In one embodiment, the second subset of ultrasonic transducers is activated in response to detecting an object at operation 1910. A second confidence threshold may be used, and if the confidence that operation 1920 detects a characteristic of a finger print with a confidence factor above the second confidence threshold, the system may proceed to a next finger detection mode.

During operation 1930, a two-dimensional object structure determination, also referred to herein as a third phase of a finger detection mode or FDMC, is performed. In one embodiment, in response to the one-dimensional object analysis determining that the touch is indicative of or consistent with a human finger, operation 1930, embodiments of which will be further described below, is initiated in which a third subset of ultrasonic transducers is activated to perform two-dimensional structure analysis to determine if the touch is associated with a human finger. In one embodiment, the two-dimensional structure analysis is performed on non-adjacent images of different regions of the sensed object. In one embodiment, operation 1930 includes an object stability analysis. A third confidence threshold may be used, and if the confidence that operation 1930 detects a characteristic of a finger print with a confidence factor above the third confidence threshold, the system may proceed to a next finger detection mode.

In response to the two-dimensional object analysis determining that the touch is consistent with a human finger, a finger detected determination 1940 is made. In one embodiment, finger detected determination 1940 results in the activation of system circuitry 1840 to perform analysis on a full image of a fingerprint. The system may follow all the steps in sequence, or may jump to the finger detected determination 1940 when one of the finger detection modes detects with a high confidence that a finger is detected.

For example, the use of ultrasonic circuitry allows for low power operation of a fingerprint sensor 1815. For example, an array of ultrasonic transducers can operate in a first low power mode to perform operation 1910 using a first subset of ultrasonic transducers. In response to detecting the touch using the first subset of ultrasonic transducers, the array of ultrasonic transducers is switched to operate in a second low power mode using a second subset of ultrasonic transducers activated to perform operation 1920. In one embodiment, the first low power mode consumes less power than the second low power mode. In response to determining that the one-dimensional structure analysis using the second subset of ultrasonic transducers is indicative of a finger, the array of ultrasonic transducers is switched to operate in a third low power mode using a third subset of ultrasonic transducers activated to perform operation 1930. In one embodiment, the second low power mode consumes less power than the third low power mode.

In some embodiment, operational parameters of the first phase, second phase, and/or third phase of a finger detection mode are dependent on a resource allowance of the fingerprint sensor. The resource allowance may be a power resource allowance, allowing the finger print detection mode to use a certain amount of power (per time unit). The resource allowance may also be, alternatively or in addition, a computing power allowance. For example, a fingerprint sensor as described herein may be included within a mobile electronic device with a rechargeable power supply (e.g., a battery). Various operations described herein may be configured (e.g., dynamically configured) to utilize available resources. For example, a frequency of performing the first phase of the finger detection mode may be altered to conserve available power (e.g., the frequency is increased to reduce power consumption). In another example, a threshold range first phase of the finger detection mode may be increased so as to reduce the likelihood of triggering the second phase of finger detection mode, which saves power consumption due to the increased processing overhead of the second phase relative to the first phase. It should be appreciated that many different operational parameters may be controlled based on the resource allowance, thereby allowing for granular control of the fingerprint detection mode. The operational parameters may include, but are not limited to: frequency of activating subsets of ultrasonic transducers, the number of transducers in a subset, adjusting threshold values, adjusting of threshold ranges, adjusting the number of (sub) images to qualify for a particular phase of the finger detection mode, etc. The resource allowance may be selected to find the best compromise between resource usage and performance. Saving resources, may lead to slower reaction, more latency, and/or more false negative detections. When the fingerprint sensor is comprised in a mobile device with a battery, the resource allowance may be large when sufficient battery power is available, and the resource allowance may be decreased as the remaining battery life decreases. The relation between the remaining battery life and the resource allowance may be preset, may be based on a user preference, or may be adjust dynamically. The different operational parameters for the different phases may be preset or may have a preset relation on the resource allowance. The optimum operational parameters may also be dynamic and may be learned based on machine learning techniques, for example, by coupling to the resource management of the mobile device. As such, resource usage and performance may be monitored and adjusted, and may be based on user demands. The optimal operation parameters and their relation to the resource allowance and usage may also be shared over multiple devices and/or users, using e.g., crowd sourcing techniques.

In some embodiments, the transitions between the modes can be preset. For example, the first, second, and third confidence thresholds discussed above may be preset. In other embodiments, the transitions between the finger detection modes may be variable and/or adaptive. For example, since the higher finger detection modes require more resources (e.g., power resources, computing resources), the thresholds to move to the next finger detection mode may become harder if fewer resources are available. The (transition) settings may also be adapted to the user, the context of the device, or the security settings of the device. For example, if the device is in a sleep mode, the system should use as low as possible power, which means that false positives, e.g., unnecessary transitions to the next mode, should be avoided as much as possible. On the other hand, if the device, such as a smartphone, is being used, the settings should allow for as little as possible latency and it should thus be easier to go to a higher finger detection mode. The extra resources used in this situation remain negligible compared to resources required, e.g., to operate a touch screen display. Furthermore, the settings may also be adapted to active applications. For example, when the user is using an application that may require authentication, e.g., banking applications, the settings may be adapted for optimum security and minimum latency. In some embodiments, information or results from one finger detection mode may be passed on and used in the next finger detection mode, for example to adapt the settings of the next finger detection mode. For example, the confidence of detection in a first finger detection mode, may be used to set the settings in the second finger detection mode.

In response to determining that the two-dimensional structure analysis using the third subset of ultrasonic transducers is indicative of a finger, the array of ultrasonic transducers switches into operating in a full power mode. It should be appreciated that the activation in full-power mode may be instantiated by either the always-on circuitry 1830 or the system circuitry 1840. In one embodiment, substantially all of the ultrasonic transducers of the array of fingerprint sensor 1815 are used to analyze the image of a fingerprint associated with the human finger. After completion of fingerprint scanning, the array ultrasonic transducers can be switched back to low power operation.

FIG. 20 illustrates example operation in a first phase of a finger detection mode associated with a two-dimensional array 2000 of ultrasonic transducers, according to some embodiments. In one embodiment, the first phase of the finger detection mode includes the activation of a first subset of ultrasonic transducers for capturing single pixels (e.g., pixel 2010) within a block (e.g., block 2020) of two-dimensional array 2000. For example, two-dimensional array 2000 includes twelve blocks of 24×24 ultrasonic devices. As illustrated, the first phase includes activation of ultrasonic devices of the middle eight 24×24 blocks 2020 of ultrasonic transducers for capturing a single pixel or a closely grouped plurality of pixels within each activated block. While the illustrated embodiment shows only eight of the twelve blocks activated, and only ultrasonic transducers activated for capturing a single pixel within the activated blocks, it should be appreciated that any number of blocks may be activated, that the pixel may be located at any position within a block, and any number of ultrasonic transducers may be activated for capturing any number of pixels, and that the illustrated embodiment is an example of many different possibilities. The pixels may be at the same position within the blocks since this may simplify driving electronics, or different pixels may be used in the different blocks. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the two-dimensional array can include any number of ultrasonic transducers, and the two-dimensional array may be divided into any number of independently operable blocks. Furthermore, as described above, embodiments described herein provide for utilizing multiple ultrasonic transducers, some of which may be time-delayed relative to each other, to focus a transmit beam to capture a pixel of an image. The pixels and blocks that are activated in this finger detection mode may also depend on the size of the sensor, the size of the finger, or the most likely position the user will touch the sensor. For example, for a small sensor where the finger most likely covers the entire sensor surface, pixels and blocks covering the entire surface may be activated. For larger sensors, where the finger may only cover a part of the sensor, only a central section of the sensor may be activated to save power resources. The central section may be adapted to the user, or the context of the device, e.g., the device orientation.

In the illustrated embodiment, pixel 2010 is periodically captured in the first phase of the finger detection mode. Although a single pixel is illustrated, it will be understood that multiple pixels can be used, either grouped together or distributed throughout the array. Also, each pixel may be imaged by activating a plurality of ultrasonic transducers around the pixel. When a significant change in ultrasonic wave receive intensity occurs due to the presence of an object positioned near a sensor platen (not shown), circuitry is activated to switch the pixel array out of the first low power mode. In one embodiment, the first phase includes activating a small subset of the pixels in the array in a highly duty-cycled manner. For example, as illustrated, the 8-pixel pattern illustrated in FIG. 20 is activated. In various embodiments, these pixels are operated at a rate of 10-100 samples/second.

On each transmit/receive cycle, the signal from each pixel would be compared to a mean pixel value plus/minus a threshold (e.g., an offset plus/minus a range). For example, if the signal on M or more pixels exceeds a single value, (where ‘M’ is a programmable setting), the system will proceed to a second phase of the finger detection mode (also referred to as FDMB). In another example, if the signal on M or more pixels falls outside of a mean pixel value plus/minus a range, the system will proceed to a second phase of the finger detection mode. Otherwise, the system will remain in the first phase of the finger detection mode. It should be appreciated that many types of thresholding may be performed, and that the threshold can vary over time. For example, in another embodiment, a sum of the received signals may be compared with a threshold, the received signals may be divided into groups and compared to a threshold, etc.

In one embodiment, the signal and mean pixel value are gray scale levels, and the threshold is plus/minus number of gray scale levels. For example, the total variance of gray scale levels could be fifteen levels, and the threshold could be plus/minus four gray scale levels. In such an example, a signal that falls outside four gray scale levels of the mean pixel value would trigger an event indicating an object is interacting with the fingerprint sensor, where a signal falling within four gray scale levels would not trigger an event (e.g., assumed to be a result of signal noise).

In order to properly identify an interaction with the fingerprint sensor, the mean pixel value is tracked over time, allowing for slow changes in signal values to not impact the determination of an object contacting the fingerprint sensor. For example, a temperature change of a fingerprint sensor may impact the value of a received signal. Embodiments described herein provide for tracking the mean pixel value over time, and adjusting the threshold range accordingly, to avoid false accepts.

FIG. 21 illustrates a graph 2100 of an example temporal adjustment of thresholding for detecting an object for the first phase of the finger detection mode, according to an embodiment. Pixel value 2110 is received and tracked over time, wherein mean 2120 is the mean pixel value over time. Mean plus threshold 2130 and mean minus threshold 2140 illustrate the range of signal values that are indicative of noise that is disregarded by the fingerprint sensor. A pixel value 2110 falling outside of the range defined by mean plus threshold 2130 and mean minus threshold 2140, also referred to as threshold range 2145, is indicative of an event 2150 (e.g., interaction of an object with the fingerprint sensor). The threshold value may be pre-defined, or may be adaptive, e.g., based on the noise level or variance of the signal, the available resources, or the required latency, as discussed above.

Mean 2120 is updated over time to account for environmental or other changes that impact signal values (e.g., temperature change). In one embodiment, if a pixel value 2110 falls within the threshold range 2145, mean 2120 is updated by averaging the pixel value 2110 with the previous mean 2120, resulting in an updated mean 2120. It should be appreciated that pixel value 2110 can be average with an number of previous values of mean 2120, so as to control the impact of pixel value 2110 on mean 2120. Updating mean 2120, and thus threshold range 2145, allows for (e.g., slow) temporal evolution of factors impacting pixel signal values (e.g., temperature change). In one embodiment, if a pixel value 2110 falls outside of threshold range 2145, as shown at event 2150, mean 2120 is updated by using the pixel value 2110 at event 2150. In the present embodiment, when an object is placed on the sensor, the change in signal due to this event is much faster than any slow temporal evolution. The timescale of the averaging should therefore be larger than the timescale of the signal change due to the sudden presence of an object. Furthermore, the time scale of the averaging is adapted to the expected timescale of the temporal evolutions, e.g., due to temperature changes. After event 2150, the average may be reset so as to obtain an accurate average as soon as possible.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example flow diagram 2200 of the temporal adjustment of thresholding for detecting an object for the first phase of the finger detection mode, according to an embodiment. At operation 2210, a pixel value is received (e.g., pixel value 2110). At operation 2220, the pixel value is compared to the mean value plus/minus the threshold to determine whether the pixel value is within the threshold range.

As shown at operation 2240, if the pixel value is within the threshold range (e.g., satisfies the threshold range), the mean is updated by calculating a new mean using the received pixel value. The updated mean is tracked and used in further executions of operation 2220. As shown at operation 2230, if the pixel value is not within the threshold range (e.g., does not satisfy the threshold range), an event is detected. Responsive to detecting an event, in accordance with one embodiment, as shown at operation 2250, the mean is updated to the pixel value, or to reset the mean to a new value after the event. Updating the mean to the pixel value in response to detecting an event decreases latency as calculating an updated mean by averaging the pixel value with the previous mean may not accurately represent the interaction with the fingerprint sensor in a single transmit/receive cycle. The updated mean is tracked and used in further executions of operation 2220.

In some embodiments, in order to proceed to the next phase of finger detection, a specified number of pixel values must be indicative of an event. In various embodiments, the finger detection mode proceeds to the second phase if the signal received for a certain number of pixels fall outside of the threshold range. For example, in order to avoid false accepts of an object interacting with the fingerprint sensor, more than one pixel value may be required to be indicative of an event. The various thresholds and required number of pixels may also be adapted to the characteristics of the finger of the user. For example, if the user normally has dry fingers, the system may be adapted to work optimally for these characteristics.

In one embodiment, operation 2220 is performed for all received pixel values. In one embodiment, as shown at operation 2260, it is determined whether a specified number of pixel values is indicative of an event being detected. If enough pixel values are indicative of an event being detected, as shown at operation 2270, the fingerprint sensor proceeds to the next phase of finger detection (e.g., FDMB). Alternatively, if there are not enough pixel values that are indicative of an event being detected, flow diagram 2200 returns to operation 2210 to receive a next pixel value. The system may proceed to the next phase of finger detecting at operation 2270 after the event is detected for a specified number of pixels values at operation 2260 for a single data collection instant (e.g., one transmit and receive cycle). Alternatively, the condition in operation 2260 must be satisfied for a plurality of subsequent data collection instants or data collection iterations (e.g., multiple transmit and receive cycles).

For example, the fingerprint sensor may be configured to proceed to the second phase if it is determined that three pixels fall outside of the threshold range. It should be appreciated that the number of pixels having received signals falling outside of the threshold range is configurable, and that any value may be set. It should also be appreciated that other types of stimuli may cause a signal of the fingerprint sensor to fall outside of a threshold. For example, applying a stress to the fingerprint sensor (e.g., bending a phone housing the fingerprint sensor in a back pocket) or thermal shock (e.g., dropping a phone housing the fingerprint sensor in the snow) may cause the signal to exceed the threshold.

In various embodiments, a position of the pixel captured during the first phase of the finger detection mode is moved during the first phase of the finger detection mode. For example, using the same pixel may increase the likelihood of a false reading, as the features or position of the pixel may not be indicative of contact or lack of contact with the array. Moreover, sensor lifetime may be reduced by excessive usage of the same ultrasonic sensors of the array. Imaging different pixels of the array may improve the accuracy of the first phase of the finger detection mode. Using different pixels also decreases the possibilities of false negatives, where an object is present but not detected, in case the object has a structured surface and voids are present above the active pixels meaning the no reflected signals are detected.

In some embodiments, the pixel selection sequence is random within an array or blocks of an array. In other embodiments, the pixel selection sequence is deterministic within an array or blocks of an array. In some embodiments, consecutive pixels (e.g., from left to right and proceeding to the next lower row of pixels) are selected. In other embodiments the ordering of selected pixels is performed according a predetermined order. In some embodiments, all pixels are selected before a pixel selection sequence is completed (e.g., each pixel is selected once before a pixel can be selected again). It should be appreciated that any ordering of pixel selection sequence can be used.

In some embodiments, the pixel selection is constrained to a subset of pixels of an array or a block. For example, pixel selection may be constrained to pixels within a particular region of a block. In a particular example, consider a 24×24 block of ultrasonic devices (e.g., block 2020 of FIG. 20). In one embodiment, pixel selection is constrained to the middle 16×16 pixels of the block. In the current example, the pixel selection sequence is performed for each pixel of the 16×16 blocks (totaling 256 pixels) before the pixel selection sequence is repeated.

As described herein, the first phase of the finger detection is operable to determine whether an object has come in contact with or interacted with a fingerprint sensor. In this manner, if it is not determined that an object has interacted with the fingerprint sensor (e.g., the change in ultrasonic wave intensity does exceed a threshold), then the fingerprint sensor remains in the first phase of the finger detection mode. In various embodiments, the first phase of the finger detection mode only activates ultrasonic transducers for capturing a small number of pixels, thus requiring a low amount of power relative to the full operation of the fingerprint sensor.

In some embodiments, the first phase of the finger detection is operable to detect whether a human finger has interacted with the fingerprint sensor. For example, the acoustic properties of many materials, such as acrylic, metal, cloth, nylon, etc., have acoustic properties that are significantly different from a human finger that impact the reflection intensity of the ultrasonic signal. By properly determining a threshold, it is possible determine that an object contacting the fingerprint sensor is not a finger, thus rejecting phantom contact made from materials other than human skin. In some embodiments, the acoustic properties of the reflected waves may be analyzed further in order to determine if the object has properties similar to a finger. This determination may be used in conjunction with, or instead of, the methods using the thresholds described above.

In certain embodiments described with respect to FIG. 23, the finger detection mode is switched to a second low power mode (e.g., second phase) to determine if the object is a finger. In one embodiment, the second phase has a greater number of captured pixels and an associated power usage greater than the first phase. In one embodiment, the second phase activates ultrasonic transducers for capturing pixels in an additional dimension than in the first phase (e.g., a one-dimensional vector of pixels). In other embodiments, the finger detection mode can be switched to a full power, fingerprint sensor mode, to immediately attempt detection of a fingerprint image. Once a fingerprint image is obtained, or if a finger is determined not to be present, the pixel array can be switched back to the always-on first low power mode. In some embodiments, the second phase is actually the first phase and is used to detect the presence of objects interacting with the sensor.

FIG. 23 illustrates example operation in a second phase of a finger detection mode (e.g., FDMB) associated with a two-dimensional array 2000 of ultrasonic transducers, according to some embodiments. In one embodiment, the second phase of the finger detection mode includes the activation of a second subset of ultrasonic transducers for capturing multiple pixels (e.g., pixels 2310) within a block (e.g., block 2020) of two-dimensional array 2000. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the multiple pixels may be arranged in orthogonal vectors. In another embodiment, the multiple pixels are arranged in single vectors. For example, two-dimensional array 2000 includes twelve blocks of 24×24 ultrasonic devices. As illustrated, the second phase includes activation of ultrasonic devices of the middle eight 24×24 blocks of ultrasonic transducers for capturing a multiple pixels within each activated block. While the illustrated embodiment shows only eight of the twelve blocks activated, and only ultrasonic transducers activated for capturing particular pixels within the activated blocks, it should be appreciated that any number of blocks may be activated, that the pixels may be located at any position within a block, and any number of ultrasonic transducers may be activated for capturing any number of pixels, and that the illustrated embodiment is an example of many different possibilities. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the two-dimensional array can include any number of ultrasonic transducers, and the two-dimensional array may be divided into any number of independently operable blocks. Furthermore, as described above, embodiments described herein provide for utilizing multiple ultrasonic transducers, some of which may be time-delayed relative to each other, to focus a transmit beam to capture a pixel of an image.

In various embodiments, in the second phase of the finger detection mode, a larger subset of pixels in the two-dimensional array is captured relative to the first phase of the finger detection mode, in order to perform a one-dimensional analysis to check for the presence of fingerprint characteristics (e.g., ridges and valleys). In some embodiments, because the fingerprint characteristics may be at any angle with respect to the fingerprint array, the active pixels in second phase will span multiple rows and multiple columns of the two-dimensional array. It should be appreciated that, in accordance with various embodiments, the second phase of finger detection mode may include more than one intermediate phase. For example, the second phase may include two successively larger subsets of pixels, wherein the first is for identifying some finger-like features and the second is for identifying a ridge/valley pattern.

In the illustrated embodiment, the captured pixels are arranged in orthogonal vectors. As illustrated, an L-shaped pixel pattern 2310 is shown and includes two orthogonally oriented twelve pixel lines. In another embodiment, the orthogonal vectors are arranged in a cross shaped pixel pattern. In another embodiment, the orthogonal vectors may adapt to different arrangements during the second phase of the finger detestation mode (e.g., rotate a cross shaped pixel pattern about a center pixel, alternate between a cross shaped pixel pattern and an L-shaped pixel pattern. It should be appreciated that other pixel patterns of vectors or orthogonal vectors may be used, including both intersecting orthogonal vectors and non-intersecting orthogonal vectors. The pixel patterns may include lines, and the angle of the lines may be different in different sections. The layout of the lines may be adapted to have a maximum likelihood of being perpendicular to the fingerprint ridges in order to detect the ridge/valley pattern with an as high as possible change. A fingerprint pattern often includes generally concentric circles around the center of the finger, and the line pattern may be configured to take advantage of this fact. For example, assuming that a user will try to put his or her finger in the middle of the sensor, configuring the second phase with a line pattern with lines pointing towards the center of the sensor will increase the likelihood of the lines being perpendicular to the ridges and as such detect the ridge/valley pattern as accurately as possible. This illustrated embodiment has sufficient size and orientation to detect a characteristic ridge or valley of a fingerprint regardless of orientation of the finger to the device. Although an L-shaped pixel pattern is illustrated consisting of 23 total pixels, it will be understood that alternative pixel patterns and pixel counts can be used, and multiple pixel patterns can be either grouped together or distributed throughout the array. In this second phase of the finger detection mode, one or more transmit and receive cycles are employed to determine if the object has a reflection intensity consistent with a finger, and specifically whether the reflection intensity along a line is consistent with the characteristic spacing found in fingerprint ridges and valleys. If reflection patterns consistent with a finger are detected, in one embodiment, the mode can be switched to turn on substantially all of the ultrasonic transducers of the two-dimensional array to analyze biometric data associated with the human finger, including subdermal layers, vein or artery position, and a fingerprint image. Once a fingerprint image is obtained, or if a finger is determined not to be present, the pixel array can be switched back to the always-on first low power mode. In one embodiment, if a finger is not determined to be present, the offset of the threshold is updated with the most recent received signal value for the pixel. In another embodiment, if reflective patterns consistent with a finger are detected, the second phase of the finger detection mode can proceed to the third phase of the finger detection mode (e.g., FDMC).

In accordance with various embodiments, a positioning pixel that is representative of a position of the pixel pattern is used to determine the pixel pattern selection sequence. The positioning pixel of a pixel pattern may be any pixel of the pixel pattern, so long as the selected positioning pixel remains constant within the pixel pattern. In some embodiments, where the pixel pattern includes orthogonal vectors, the intersecting pixel of the vectors may be used as the positioning pixel. For example, the positioning pixel may be the center pixel of a cross shaped pixel pattern or the intersecting pixel of an L-shaped pixel pattern. In other embodiments, the positioning pixel may be the center pixel of a block defined by the orthogonal vectors, and may not be included in the orthogonal vectors (e.g., the positioning pixel need not be imaged).

In some embodiments, consecutive positioning pixels (e.g., from left to right and proceeding to the next lower row of pixels) are selected during the pixel pattern selection sequence. In other embodiments the ordering of selected positioning pixels is performed according a predetermined order. In some embodiments, all pixels within a block/array are selected as a positioning pixel before a pixel pattern selection sequence is completed (e.g., each pixel is selected as a positioning pixel once before a pixel can be selected again). It should be appreciated that any ordering of pixel pattern selection sequence can be used.

In some embodiments, the pixel pattern selection is performed such that the positioning pixel is constrained to a subset of pixels of an array or a block. For example, the positioning pixel may be constrained to pixels within a particular region of a block. In a particular example, consider a 24×24 block of ultrasonic devices (e.g., block 2020 of FIG. 23). In one embodiment, positioning pixel selection is constrained to the middle 16×16 pixels of the block. In the current example, the pixel pattern selection sequence is performed for each pixel of the 16×16 block as positioning pixel (totaling 256 pixels) before the pixel pattern selection sequence is repeated.

FIG. 24A illustrates an example duty-cycle timeline 2400 for the second phase of the finger detection mode. The first phase of the finger mode detection (e.g., FDMA) transitions to the second phase of the finger mode detection (e.g., FDMB). As illustrated, capture of reflected ultrasonic waves can require a paired series of transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) cycles. Between each signal pair, analog to digital conversion (ADC) occurs, and the results are transmitted for further digital processing. This capture cycle can be repeated a number of times (e.g., 10-40 capture cycles).

After pixels of the second phase are captured, the received data is processed to identify characteristics of a fingerprint. In one embodiment, the received data is analyzed to identify if ridge-valley-ridge or valley-ridge-valley patterns exist in the scanned rows and columns. If no patterns exist, the system will return to first phase of the finger detection mode (e.g., FDMA). In this case, the system may update the first phase of the finger detection mode thresholds to avoid entering second phase of the finger detection mode again on the same stimulus. This prevents the system from toggling back and forth between first phase and the second when no finger is present. If a ridge/valley pattern is recognized in the second phase of the finger detection mode, in one embodiment, then the system will exit finger detect mode and proceed to a full fingerprint capture. In another embodiment, if a ridge/valley pattern is recognized in the second phase of the finger detection mode the system will proceed to a third phase of the finger detection mode (e.g., FDMC).

In various embodiments, the captured data of the second phase of the finger detection mode is divided into groups of pixels. FIG. 24B illustrates an example of thresholding 2450 for the second phase of the finger detection mode, in accordance with various embodiments. In the example of FIG. 24B there are 16 groups: 8 row groups, and 8 column groups. Each group includes 12 pixels. In one example, detecting ridge-valley patterns within a given group of pixels proceeds as follows:

-   -   1. Subtract the mean of the group of pixels     -   2. Compare the result to ± range values.         -   a. If no pixels are outside of ± range, no ridge/valley             pattern is detected. End processing for this group of pixels         -   b. Otherwise, proceed to step 3     -   3. Truncate each pixel value's value to a single-bit (e.g., ‘1’         if above the mean, ‘0’ if below the mean)     -   4. Check for patterns that contain x“00”x“11”x“00”x or         x“11”x“00”x“11”x, where ‘x’ corresponds to an arbitrary number         of 0's or 1's (including none),         -   a. If neither pattern matches, no ridge/valley patterns are             detected in this pixel group         -   b. If at least one pattern matches, then ridge/valley             patterns are detected

This procedure is performed for each pixel group in the second phase of the finger detection mode scan to determine how many of the groups contain ridge/valley patterns. If the number of pixel groups that contain ridge/valley patterns equals or exceeds a target count value ‘N’, the system will proceed to capture mode. Otherwise, the system may update first phase of the finger detection mode threshold offsets to be equal to the first phase of the finger detection mode scan results and return to first phase of the finger detection mode.

In another embodiment, an exclusive or (XOR) operation is performed on neighboring pixel values to identify characteristics of a fingerprint. In one embodiment, in the second phase of the finger detection mode, an XOR operation is performed for each element and the element next to it to detect whether there is a “ridge-valley” or “valley-ridge” transition (e.g., XOR(1,0)=1, XOR(0,1)=1). For example, where a value of 0 indicates a signal below threshold (ridge) and a value of 1 indicates a signal above threshold (valley), the following pattern is indicative of two transitions:

0000011111100000

In one embodiment, a “despike” operation is performed. A despike operation removes false indications of ridge-valley spikes that result from noise when the contrast to noise ratio (CNR) is low. For example, the following pattern includes false indications of transitions:

0101000111011100010100

In this example, the first seven values “0101000” and the final eight values “00010100” indicate real ridges and the middle seven values “1110111” indicate a real valley. However, there are random “1s” within the ridges and a random “0” within the valley due to noise. The despike operation removes the random “1s” and random “0s” by making any patterns containing “010” into “000” and containing “101” into “111”. After performing the despike operation, the pattern will become:

0000000111111100000000

In various embodiments, within a block, a threshold is set to determine how many blocks pass the test. For example, 4 out of 8 blocks may have more than 2 “XOR=1.” The sum of all “XOR=1” will be determined among all blocks (e.g., sum value equals X), which is compared to a global threshold Y to determine whether X is greater than Y. If X is greater than Y, it is determined that characteristics of a fingerprint are identified.

FIGS. 25A-D illustrate another example of thresholding for the second phase of the finger detection mode, in accordance with various embodiments. In various embodiments, vectors or orthogonal vectors of pixels are captured for detecting ridges and valleys, indicative of a fingerprint image. In one embodiment, the orthogonal vectors are arranged in a cross shaped pixel pattern. In another embodiment, the orthogonal vectors are arranged in an L-shaped pixel pattern. It should be appreciated that other pixel patterns of vectors or orthogonal vectors may be used, including both intersecting orthogonal vectors and non-intersecting orthogonal vectors. It is determined whether a number of vectors (e.g., single vectors or orthogonal vectors) satisfy a ridge/valley profile threshold (e.g., a number of vectors that are indicative of a fingerprint).

As illustrated in FIG. 25A, ridges and valleys for each orthogonal vector are detected out of the mean intensity level within a threshold range. As illustrated in FIG. 25B, a vertical profile of the finger may appear flattened due to high finger pressure on an array of ultrasonic transducers, where ridges of a finger are compressed. Points 2510 a and 2510 b indicate where the curve (e.g., the pixel value) exceeds the mean plus threshold value, indicative of a rising edge transition, and points 2510 c and 2510 d indicate where the curve drops below the mean minus threshold value. In one embodiment, to detect and measure a ridge to ridge size, a period between points 2510 a and 2510 b is computed. Only if a point under the mean minus threshold is detected between points 2510 a and 2510 b is a ridge to ridge size determined. As illustrated, point 2510 d satisfies this requirement. FIG. 25C illustrates the overlapping curves of FIGS. 25A and 25B, illustrating the relationship between the lower finger pressure of FIG. 25A and the higher finger pressure of FIG. 25B for the same finger.

FIG. 25D illustrates an example where a finger is pushed against a fingerprint sensor with low pressure. Points 2520 a and 2520 b indicate where the curve (e.g., the pixel value) exceeds the mean plus threshold value, indicative of a rising edge transition, and points 2520 c and 2520 d indicate where the curve drops below the mean minus threshold value. In one embodiment, to detect and measure a ridge to ridge size, a period between points 2520 a and 2520 b is computed. Only if a point under the mean minus threshold is detected between points 2520 a and 2520 b is a ridge to ridge size determined. As illustrated, point 2520 c satisfies this requirement. FIGS. 25A-25D describe an example thresholding where a pattern indicative of a fingerprint can be detected independent of finger pressure.

In another embodiment, vectors of FIG. 23 are used in a different manner. Vertical profiles pertaining to the similar sensor column are concatenated to benefit from data continuity and detect ridges of bigger length. Similarly, horizontal profiles pertaining to the similar sensor row are concatenated. A low pass one-dimensional filtering can be additionally computed on each concatenated profile to reduce effect of background low frequencies that are captured with bigger profiles.

In another embodiment, the ridge detection and measurement of described above is used with additional ridge length information. A ridge length is computed with each detected ridge, and detected ridges counted separately depending on their length using histograms. Uncertainty on ridge length estimation can be explicitly taken into account while counting the ridges. The number of ridges finally reported by the second phase of the finger detection mode (e.g., FDMB) might be the number counted on the most represented ridges length interval. This method of counting would enable more robustness with noise, as legitimate ridges detected when a finger is present on the sensor may have coherent length, while false ridges detected when no finger is present on the sensor—looking like a random signal—may have incoherent lengths.

FIG. 26 illustrates example operation in a third phase of a finger detection mode (e.g., FDMC) associated with a two-dimensional array 2000 of ultrasonic transducers, according to some embodiments. In one embodiment, the third phase may increase the dimension of the analysis. For example, where the analysis in the second phase was performed in one dimension using lines of ultrasonic transducers, the third phase the analysis may be done in two dimensions using an area of ultrasonic transducers. In one embodiment, the third phase of the finger detection mode includes the activation of a third subset of ultrasonic transducers for capturing multiple pixels, illustrated as patches 2610 a-e, within blocks (e.g., block 2020) of two-dimensional array 2000. In one embodiment, the multiple pixels may be arranged in non-adjacent patches 2610 a-e. For example, two-dimensional array 2000 includes twelve blocks of 24×24 ultrasonic devices. As illustrated, the third phase includes activation of ultrasonic devices of five 24×24 blocks of ultrasonic transducers for capturing a multiple pixels within each activated block. While the illustrated embodiment shows only five of the twelve blocks activated, and only ultrasonic transducers activated for capturing particular pixels within the activated blocks, it should be appreciated that any number of blocks may be activated, that the pixels may be located at any position within a block, and any number of ultrasonic transducers may be activated for capturing any number of pixels, and that the illustrated embodiment is an example of many different possibilities. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the two-dimensional array can include any number of ultrasonic transducers, and the two-dimensional array may be divided into any number of independently operable blocks. Furthermore, as described above, embodiments described herein provide for utilizing multiple ultrasonic transducers, some of which may be time-delayed relative to each other, to focus a transmit beam to capture a pixel of an image.

In various embodiments, in the third phase of the finger detection mode, a larger subset of pixels in the two-dimensional array is captured relative to both the first and second phases of the finger detection mode, in order to perform a two-dimensional analysis to check for the presence of fingerprint characteristics (e.g., ridges and valleys). In some embodiments, the subsets of pixels captured during the third phase of the finger detection mode are non-adjacent patches of the entire image of the fingerprint sensor. In one embodiment, the fingerprint sensor is operable to capture multiple non-adjacent images from different regions of the fingerprint sensor as independent images. In another embodiment, the fingerprint sensor is operable to capture an image over the entire surface of the fingerprint sensor (e.g., a complete image) and then extract multiple patches as individual images. In one embodiment, the captured image can be saved for later processing (e.g., if the patches are indicative of a fingerprint, the captured image can be sent for further processing, such as fingerprint authentication). It should be appreciated that any number of patches may be utilized in the third phase of finger detection. The size of the activated subset of pixels may depend on the confidence of the detection of a ridge/valley pattern in the second phase. If the confidence in the second phase is high, and thus that the likelihood that the object is a finger is high, in the third phase, a complete image is captured. This has the advantage that if in the third phase it is confirmed that it is a finger, a complete image is already captured and stored and may be forwarded for authentication. This decreases latency since it avoids have to capture a complete image if the third phase confirms a finger is present on the sensor.

FIG. 27A illustrates example image 2700 captured by a fingerprint sensor, where patches 2710 a-e are extracted from the image 2700, in accordance with one embodiment. For example, a fingerprint sensor first captures an image over the two-dimensional array of transducers that encompasses patches 2710 a-e. Non-adjacent patches 2710 a-e are then extracted from image 2700 into individual images for processing. In one embodiment, image 2700 is stored and accessible for later image processing, if necessary (e.g., for fingerprint authentication).

FIG. 27B illustrates example patches 2720 a-e that are captured directly by a fingerprint sensor, in accordance with one embodiment. For example, patches 2720 a-e are non-adjacent images captured by a fingerprint sensor without capturing a larger image over a larger area of the two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers. Patches 2720 a-e are used for processing in the third phase of finger detection.

It should be appreciated that, in accordance with various embodiments, the third phase of finger detection mode may include more than one intermediate phase. For example, the third phase may include two successively larger subsets of pixels (e.g., 8×8 pixel patches and 12×12 pixel patches) for performing analysis on increasing patches including more detail.

With reference to FIG. 26, in the illustrated embodiment, the captured pixels are arranged in square patches 2610 a-e. As illustrated, patches 2610 a-e are shown and include 10×10 pixels. In other embodiments, the patches can be rectangular, circular, or any other shape. For example, where an array of ultrasonic transducers includes hexagon-shaped PMUTs (e.g., two-dimensional array 900), the patches may be circular or hexagonal, as conducive to the layout of the PMUT devices.

Patches 2610 a-e in the illustrated embodiment are of sufficient size and orientation to detect a characteristic ridge or valley of a fingerprint regardless of orientation of the finger to the device. Although patches 2610 a-e include pixel patterns, as illustrated, consisting of 100 total pixels (10×10), it will be understood that alternative pixel patterns and pixel counts can be used, and multiple pixel patterns of patches can be either grouped together or distributed throughout the array. In this third phase of the finger detection mode, one or more transmit and receive cycles are employed to capture images of the patches of the overall image, to perform processing to determine if the patches include ridge/valley patterns consistent with a fingerprint. It should be appreciated that the patches should have a minimum size in order to be able to detect characteristics of a fingerprint. The size of the patches may be adapted to the size of the ridge/valley pattern to be expected, e.g., based on the expected user.

The received patches 2610 a-e are then each processed to determine whether each patch 2610 a-e is indicative of a fingerprint. In one embodiment, a high pass filter is first applied to each patch 2610 a-e to remove dark fields from each patch 2610 a-e.

Patches 2610 a-e are individually analyzed to determine whether each patch 2610 a-e is indicative of a fingerprint. Several different techniques may be used to determine the presence of a characteristic of a fingerprint (e.g., ridge/valley pattern) in the image patches, and more than one technique may be combined, in parallel or sequentially. The techniques applied may depend on the available resources (power or computing resources). In one embodiment, a patch is analyzed to identify a ridge/valley pattern indicative of a fingerprint. For example, this analysis may be based on a predefined and/or user-defined contrast level segmentation for distinguishing a ridge/valley pattern. In one embodiment, a center of mass determination is made on each patch to determine a balance of light and dark pixels indicative of a ridge/valley pattern and to make sure that the patch fully or primarily includes a fingerprint. For example, if a patch is only partially occupied by an image indicative of a fingerprint, it is less likely to include a fingerprint. The position of the center of mass with respect to the center of the patch can be used as a confidence indicator for the detection of a ridge/valley pattern. The assumption here is that a fingerprint will have a repetitive ridge valley/pattern with a center of mass aligned with the center of the patch. The patch size is selected to cover at least one or more ridge/valley sequences, since if the patch would only cover a partial ridge/valley section, the center of mass would not be close to the center of the patch even though it is an actual fingerprint. In another embodiment, the patch analysis is a frequency analysis on the patch and comparison to ridge/valley frequency indicative of a fingerprint.

For each patch, a determination is made as to whether the patch is indicative of a fingerprint. In one embodiment, the determination is based on the ridge/valley pattern analysis of each patch. In one embodiment, the determination is also based on the center of mass determination for each patch. It should be appreciated that these determinations can be based on predefined and/or user-defined levels, and that these levels can be tuned.

Upon making a determination as to whether each patch is indicative of a fingerprint, a determination is made as to whether the patches are collectively indicative of a fingerprint. In one embodiment, provided a threshold number of patches individually are determined to be indicative of a fingerprint, a determination is made that the patches collectively are indicative of a fingerprint. For example, where five patches are individually analyzed, if three of the five patches are indicative of a fingerprint, a determination is made that the patches collectively are indicative of a fingerprint. It should be appreciated that the threshold number of patches that satisfies a collective determination of a fingerprint is a predefined and/or user-defined threshold. If the number of patches that are indicative of a fingerprint does not satisfy the threshold number of patches (e.g., not enough patches are indicative of a fingerprint), the image is determined to be a non-finger, and the image is rejected.

In one embodiment, a mean intensity difference is determined for the patches, to determine that the patches appear similar (e.g., of similar color). Provided the mean intensity difference for the patches satisfies a mean intensity threshold, it is determined that the patches collectively are indicative of a fingerprint. It should be appreciated that the mean intensity threshold is a predefined and/or user-defined threshold. If the mean intensity difference does not satisfy the mean intensity threshold (e.g., is greater than the mean intensity threshold), the image is determined to be a non-finger, and the image is rejected.

In one embodiment, upon determining that the patches are indicative of a fingerprint, a finger stability check is performed. A second set of patches is received for comparing to the first set of patches. In one embodiment, the second set of patches is temporally sequential to the first set of patches. The patches of the second set of patches each spatially correspond to the same positions as the patches of the first set of patches. Each spatially corresponding pair of patches are compared, and it is determined whether the patches of the first set of patches are stable relative to patches of the second set of patches. Provided a sum of the differences between spatially corresponding patches is satisfies a stability threshold, it is determined that the image is stable, and a determination that a finger is present is made. If it is determined that the finger print image is stable, subsequent image may also be average, e.g., using a smart averaging technique, in order to improve the quality of the fingerprint image.

In one embodiment, responsive to determining that a finger is present, fingerprint processing is performed using an image captured by the fingerprint sensor. In one embodiment, the fingerprint sensor and an associated processor are fully activated to perform a full image scan of the fingerprint. In one embodiment, where the third phase of finger detection stored an image of the fingerprint, the stored image may be used for performing fingerprint processing. The fingerprint print image may be analyzed for user authentication, meaning to verify if the fingerprint belongs to the user of the device, and if a positive authentication is determined, give the user access to the device.

In one embodiment, the fingerprint sensor can be switched to turn on substantially all of the ultrasonic transducers of the two-dimensional array to analyze biometric data associated with the human finger, including subdermal layers, vein or artery position, and a fingerprint image. In one embodiment, where the analysis has determined that a surface fingerprint is detected, a more in-depth authentication process may be started which may involve determining if the fingerprint is not a spoof and is actually a live finger. This may involve configuring the sensor system and the ultrasonic transducers to perform an analysis of the deeper layers of the finger/skin. Once a fingerprint image is obtained, or if a finger is determined not to be present, the array of ultrasonic transducers can be switched back to the always-on first low power mode.

As discussed above, different operations of the finger detection modes may be performed on different processors. For example, less computationally intensive operations may be performed on a small processor, e.g., a sensor processor, while more complicated operations are performed by a larger processor, e.g., a host/application processor. This has the advantage that the host processor can be asleep while the sensor processor performs the first operations of the finger detection, thus saving power resources. In one embodiment, the host processor is used for the authentication of the fingerprint, once it has been determined by the smaller sensor processor with a certain probability that a finger is interacting with the sensor. The host processor may be activated for activation during any of the finger detection modes, as long as it is determined with a high enough confidence that a finger is present. The system may be an adaptive and learning system. For example, if the host processor is activated but it turns out that the image is not actually a fingerprint image, and thus the host activation was a false positive, the threshold or settings of the lower modes (in the other processor) may be adapted to reduce the number of false positives. More general, if in a certain mode it is determined that a false positive determination was performed in a lower mode, the high mode may provide feedback to the lower mode in order to decrease false positives. This feedback may be within the same processor, or across processors.

In some embodiments, the exact operation of the finger detection phases may depend on which processor is performing the phase. For example, if the host processor is asleep, the third phase may be performed by the sensor processor, and because of the limited processing capabilities a simple algorithm may be used to detect the ridge/valley pattern, e.g., the center mass algorithm discussed above. However, if the host processor is active, the first and second phases may still be performed on the sensor processor, but the third phase may be performed on the more powerful host processor, enabling the use of a more complicated algorithm for the detection of the ridge/valley pattern, e.g., using two-dimensional image analysis or frequency analysis techniques which would consume too many resources to be performed by the smaller sensor processor. The system may therefore determine which phases to run on which processor depending on the context, available resources, required latency, and/or state of the different processors.

In one embodiment, the settings of the different phases will be adapted to the power setting or power allowance. For example, a certain amount of power may be allowed for the always-on finger detection, and based on this given power allowance, the system will set, e.g., the transmit-receive frequencies of the different phases, the confidence thresholds of the different phases, etc. As such, the system may adapt the power allowance for the always-on finger detection based on available device power, e.g., the available battery power of the device. The power requirements of the different phases may be measured and determined in advance, and programmed into the system, or the system may learn the power usage during use. When setting the system according to the power allowance, other requirements, e.g., latency and reaction requirement, are also taken into consideration.

FIGS. 28 through 31B illustrate flow diagrams of example methods for operating a fingerprint sensor comprised of ultrasonic transducers, according to various embodiments. Procedures of these methods will be described with reference to elements and/or components of various figures described herein. It is appreciated that in some embodiments, the procedures may be performed in a different order than described, that some of the described procedures may not be performed, and/or that one or more additional procedures to those described may be performed. The flow diagrams include some procedures that, in various embodiments, are carried out by one or more processors (e.g., a host processor or a sensor processor) under the control of computer-readable and computer-executable instructions that are stored on non-transitory computer-readable storage media. It is further appreciated that one or more procedures described in the flow diagrams may be implemented in hardware, or a combination of hardware with firmware and/or software.

With reference to FIG. 28, flow diagram 2800 of an example method for operating a fingerprint sensor comprised of ultrasonic transducers, according to various embodiments, is shown. At procedure 2810, a first subset of ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor (e.g., fingerprint sensor 1815) is activated, where the first subset of ultrasonic transducers is for detecting interaction between an object and the fingerprint sensor. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducers are PMUT devices. In one embodiment, procedure 2810 is performed periodically until interaction between an object and the fingerprint sensor is detected.

With reference to FIG. 29, flow diagram 2900 is shown in which an embodiment of procedure 2810 is described. Flow diagram 2900 illustrates an example method for detecting interaction between an object and the fingerprint sensor. While flow diagram 2900 illustrates an embodiment of procedure 2810, it will be appreciated that flow diagram 2900 may be implemented independently of flow diagram 2800, as well as independently from flow diagrams 3000 and 3100, or in conjunction with any combination of flow diagrams 2800, 3000, and/or 3100.

In one embodiment, as shown at procedure 2910, a pixel value (e.g., from pixel 2010) is received from the first subset of ultrasonic transducers. In one embodiment, where the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is arranged into a plurality of blocks, a signal for at least two blocks (e.g., block 2020) of the plurality of blocks is captured, where the signals correspond to non-adjacent individual pixels captured by the fingerprint sensor.

At procedure 2920, the received signal is compared to a signal mean. At procedure 2930, it is determined whether the received signal satisfies a signal threshold range from the signal mean, wherein the signal mean varies over time. In one embodiment, the received signal and the signal mean are gray level values, and the signal threshold range is a number of gray levels from the signal mean.

At procedure 2940, provided the received signal does not satisfy the threshold range from the signal mean (e.g., falls outside the threshold range), an object is detected. At procedure 2945, the signal mean is updated with the received signal, where the updated signal mean is used for further comparisons of the received signal to the signal mean. Alternatively, at procedure 2950, provided the received signal does satisfies threshold range from the signal mean (e.g., is within the threshold range), an object is not detected. At procedure 2955, the signal mean is updated by averaging the signal mean with the received signal, where the updated signal mean is used for further comparisons of the received signal to the signal mean.

Returning to FIG. 28, at procedure 2815, it is determined whether an interaction between an object and the fingerprint sensor has been detected (e.g., the determination of procedure 2930 of flow diagram 2900. Provided an interaction between an object and the fingerprint sensor is not detected, in accordance with one embodiment, flow diagram 2800 proceeds to procedure 2820. At procedure 2820, the fingerprint sensor enters a sleep mode for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 to 100 ms). After the predetermined time, flow diagram 2800 proceeds to procedure 2810.

Provided an interaction between an object and the fingerprint sensor is detected at procedure 2815, in accordance with one embodiment, flow diagram 2800 proceeds to procedure 2830. At procedure 2830, a second subset of ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor is activated, where the second subset of ultrasonic transducers is for determining whether the object is indicative of a human finger using a one-dimensional analysis. In one embodiment, the second subset of ultrasonic transducers includes a greater number of ultrasonic transducers than the first subset of ultrasonic transducers. In one embodiment, the second subset of ultrasonic transducers utilizes more power than the first subset of ultrasonic transducers.

With reference to FIG. 30, flow diagram 3000 is shown in which an embodiment of procedure 2830 is described. Flow diagram 3000 illustrates an example method for determining whether the object is indicative of a human finger. While flow diagram 3000 illustrates an embodiment of procedure 2830, it will be appreciated that flow diagram 3000 may be implemented independently of flow diagram 2800, as well as independently from flow diagrams 2900 and 3100, or in conjunction with any combination of flow diagrams 2800, 2900, and/or 3100.

In one embodiment, as shown at procedure 3010, a plurality of pixels (e.g., pixels 2310) arranged to detect characteristics of a fingerprint on the object is captured. In one embodiment, the plurality of pixels is arranged in single vectors. In one embodiment, the plurality of pixels is arranged in orthogonal vectors. In one embodiment, the orthogonal vectors are arranged in an L-shaped pixel pattern. In another embodiment, the orthogonal vectors are arranged in a cross shaped pixel pattern. In another embodiment, the orthogonal vectors may adapt to different arrangements during the second phase of the finger detestation mode (e.g., rotate a cross shaped pixel pattern about a center pixel, alternate between a cross shaped pixel pattern and an L-shaped pixel pattern. It should be appreciated that other pixel patterns of orthogonal vectors may be used, including both intersecting orthogonal vectors and non-intersecting orthogonal vectors. In one embodiment, where the plurality of ultrasonic transducers is arranged into a plurality of blocks, orthogonal vectors of pixels for at least one block of the plurality of blocks are captured.

At procedure 3020, it is determined whether the plurality of pixels comprises characteristics of a fingerprint. In one embodiment, as shown at procedure 3030, it is determined whether the plurality of pixels is indicative of a ridge/valley pattern. At procedure 3040, provided the plurality of pixels comprises characteristics of a fingerprint, it is determined that the object is indicative of a human finger (e.g., within a certain confidence the pattern is similar to a ridge/valley pattern of a finger). In one embodiment, provided that a number of orthogonal vectors indicative of a ridge/valley profile of a fingerprint satisfies a ridge/valley profile threshold, it is determined that the object is a human finger. Alternatively, in one embodiment, provided the plurality of pixels does not comprise characteristics of a fingerprint, it is determined that the object is not a human finger.

Returning to FIG. 28, at procedure 2835, it is determined whether the object is indicative of a finger (e.g., the determination of procedure 3020 of flow diagram 3000). Provided it is determined that the object is not indicative of a finger, in accordance with one embodiment, flow diagram 2800 proceeds to procedure 2820. At procedure 2820, the fingerprint sensor enters a sleep mode for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 to 20 ms). After the predetermined time, flow diagram 2800 proceeds to procedure 2810.

Provided it is determined that the object is indicative of a finger at procedure 2835, in accordance with one embodiment, flow diagram 2800 proceeds to procedure 2840. At procedure 2840, a third subset of ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor is activated, where the third subset of ultrasonic transducers is for determining whether the object is a human finger. In one embodiment, the third subset of ultrasonic transducers includes a greater number of ultrasonic transducers than the second subset of ultrasonic transducers. The third subset of ultrasonic transducers may cover an addition dimension compared to the second subset. In one embodiment, the third subset of ultrasonic transducers utilizes more power than the second subset of ultrasonic transducers.

With reference to FIGS. 31A and 31B, flow diagram 3100 is shown in which an embodiment of procedure 2840 is described. Flow diagram 3100 illustrates an example method for determining whether the object is a human finger. While flow diagram 3100 illustrates an embodiment of procedure 2840, it will be appreciated that flow diagram 3100 may be implemented independently of flow diagram 2800, as well as independently from flow diagrams 2900 and 3000, or in conjunction with any combination of flow diagrams 2800, 2900, and/or 3000.

In one embodiment, as shown at procedure 3110 of FIG. 31A, a plurality of images corresponding to different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor is received. In one embodiment, the plurality of images is non-adjacent. In one embodiment, as shown at procedure 3112, the plurality of images is captured at the fingerprint sensor. In another embodiment, as shown at procedure 3114, a complete image is captured at the fingerprint sensor. At procedure 3116, the plurality of images is extracted from the complete image.

At procedure 3120, it is determined whether images of the plurality of images are indicative of a fingerprint. In one embodiment, procedure 3120 is performed on each image of the plurality of images. In one embodiment, as shown at procedure 3122, it is determined whether an image is indicative of a ridge/valley pattern of a fingerprint. In one embodiment, as shown at procedure 3124, a center of mass of an image is determined. At procedure 3126, it is determined whether the image includes a fingerprint based at least in part on the center of mass of the image.

In one embodiment, as shown at procedure 3130, it is determined whether a number of images that are indicative of a fingerprint satisfies a threshold. For example, where five images are individually analyzed, if three of the five images are indicative of a fingerprint, a determination is made that the images collectively are indicative of a fingerprint. Provided the number of images that are indicative of a fingerprint does not satisfy a threshold, as shown at procedure 3140, a determination is made that the plurality of images do not include a fingerprint and that the object is not a finger.

Provided the number of images that are indicative of a fingerprint does satisfy a threshold, flow diagram 3100 proceeds to procedure 3150 of FIG. 31B. At procedure 3150, it is determined whether the images of the plurality of images that are indicative of a fingerprint are collectively indicative of a fingerprint. In one embodiment, as shown at procedure 3152, a mean intensity difference for the images of the plurality of images that are indicative of a fingerprint is determined. At procedure 3154, it is determined whether the mean intensity difference satisfies an intensity threshold. Provided the mean intensity difference does not satisfy an intensity threshold, as shown at procedure 3158, a determination is made that the images of the plurality of images that are indicative of a fingerprint are collectively not indicative of a fingerprint and that the object is not a finger. Alternatively, provided the mean intensity difference does satisfy an intensity threshold, as shown at procedure 3156, a determination is made that the images of the plurality of images that are indicative of a fingerprint are collectively indicative of a fingerprint.

In one embodiment, provided that it is determined that the images of the plurality of images that are indicative of a fingerprint are collectively indicative of a fingerprint, flow diagram 3100 proceeds to procedure 3160. In another embodiment, provided that it is determined that the images of the plurality of images that are indicative of a fingerprint are collectively indicative of a fingerprint, flow diagram 3100 proceeds to procedure 3170.

At procedure 3160, a finger stability check is performed. In one embodiment, as shown at procedure 3162, a second plurality of images corresponding to the different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor is received. At procedure 3164, the images of the plurality of images that are indicative of a fingerprint that are collectively indicative of a fingerprint are compared to corresponding images of the second plurality of images. At procedure 3166, it is determined whether the fingerprint is stable relative to the fingerprint sensor based on the comparing.

In one embodiment, at procedure 3170, a determination is made that the plurality of images includes a fingerprint. Returning to FIG. 28, at procedure 2845, it is determined whether the object is a finger (e.g., the determination of flow diagram 3100). Provided it is determined that the object is not a finger, in accordance with one embodiment, flow diagram 2800 proceeds to procedure 2820. At procedure 2820, the fingerprint sensor enters a sleep mode for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 to 20 ms). After the predetermined time, flow diagram 2800 proceeds to procedure 2810.

In one embodiment, provided the object is determined to be a finger, flow diagram 2800 proceeds to procedure 2850. At procedure 2850, an image of a fingerprint of the finger is captured. In one embodiment, the image of the fingerprint is transmitted to a host processor. In one embodiment, fingerprint processing is performed on the image of the fingerprint (e.g., fingerprint authentication). In one embodiment, flow diagram 2800 then proceeds to procedure 2820.

What has been described above includes examples of the subject disclosure. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the subject matter, but it is to be appreciated that many further combinations and permutations of the subject disclosure are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

In particular and in regard to the various functions performed by the above described components, devices, circuits, systems and the like, the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., a functional equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure, which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary aspects of the claimed subject matter.

The aforementioned systems and components have been described with respect to interaction between several components. It can be appreciated that such systems and components can include those components or specified sub-components, some of the specified components or sub-components, and/or additional components, and according to various permutations and combinations of the foregoing. Sub-components can also be implemented as components communicatively coupled to other components rather than included within parent components (hierarchical). Additionally, it should be noted that one or more components may be combined into a single component providing aggregate functionality or divided into several separate sub-components. Any components described herein may also interact with one or more other components not specifically described herein.

In addition, while a particular feature of the subject innovation may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “including,” “has,” “contains,” variants thereof, and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.

Thus, the embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain various selected embodiments of the present invention and its particular application and to thereby enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments of the invention to the precise form disclosed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for operating a fingerprint sensor comprising an array of ultrasonic transducers, the method comprising: activating different subsets of ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor; determining whether a signal value received at at least one different subset satisfies a signal threshold range from a signal mean, wherein the signal mean varies over time; provided that the signal value received at the at least one different subset does not satisfy the signal threshold range from the signal mean, determining an interaction between an object and the fingerprint sensor; activating second different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor, wherein the second different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers comprise more ultrasonic transducers than the different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers; receiving a plurality of images corresponding to the second different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor, wherein the plurality of images are non-adjacent for each image of the plurality of images, determining whether the image of the plurality of images is indicative of a fingerprint; provided a number of images of the plurality of images that are indicative of a fingerprint satisfies a threshold, determining whether the images of the plurality of images that are indicative of a fingerprint are collectively indicative of a fingerprint; and provided the plurality of images are collectively indicative of a fingerprint, determining that the plurality of images comprise a fingerprint.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving the plurality of images corresponding to the second different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor comprises: capturing a complete image at the fingerprint sensor; and extracting the plurality of images from the complete image.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving the plurality of images corresponding to the second different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor comprises: capturing the plurality of images at the fingerprint sensor.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining whether the image of the plurality of images is indicative of a fingerprint comprises: determining whether the image is indicative of a ridge/valley pattern of a fingerprint.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the determining whether the image of the plurality of images is indicative of a fingerprint further comprises: determining a center of mass of the image; and determining whether the image comprises a fingerprint based at least in part on the center of mass of the image.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining whether images of the plurality of images that are indicative of a fingerprint collectively are indicative of a fingerprint comprises: determining a mean intensity difference for the images of the plurality of images that are indicative of a fingerprint; and provided the mean intensity difference satisfies an intensity threshold, determining that the images of the plurality of images that are indicative of a fingerprint are collectively indicative of a fingerprint.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: responsive to determining that the plurality of images comprise a fingerprint, performing a stability check on the plurality of images.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the performing a stability check on the plurality of images comprises: receiving a second plurality of images corresponding to the second different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor; comparing the images of the plurality of images that are indicative of a fingerprint that are collectively indicative of a fingerprint to corresponding images of the second plurality of images; and determining whether the fingerprint is stable relative to the fingerprint sensor based on the comparing.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: responsive to determining that the plurality of images comprise a fingerprint, performing fingerprint processing, wherein the fingerprint processing is performed at a different processor than a processor performing the determining that the plurality of images comprise a fingerprint.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor correspond to non-adjacent individual pixels.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: provided that the signal value received at the at least one different subset does not satisfy the signal threshold range from the signal mean, updating the signal mean based on the signal value; and provided that the signal value received at the at least one different subset satisfies the signal threshold range from the signal mean, updating the signal mean by averaging the signal mean and the signal value.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: responsive to determining an interaction between an object and the fingerprint sensor, activating the second different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor for receiving the plurality of images.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the second different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor utilizes more power than the different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor.
 14. The method of claim 1, further comprising: responsive to determining an interaction between an object and the fingerprint sensor, activating third different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor, wherein the third different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers comprise fewer ultrasonic transducers than the second different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers and more ultrasonic transducers than the different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers; capturing at least one vector of the object at the third different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor; for each at least one vector, determining whether the at least one vector is indicative of a ridge/valley profile of a fingerprint; and provided that a number of vectors indicative of a ridge/valley profile of a fingerprint satisfies a ridge/valley profile threshold, activating the second different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor for receiving the plurality of images.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one vector comprises a plurality of orthogonal vectors.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the third different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor utilizes more power than the different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor and less power than the second different subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor.
 17. A method for operating a fingerprint sensor comprising an array of ultrasonic transducers, the method comprising: activating a plurality of subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor, wherein the plurality of subsets are non-adjacent; receiving a plurality of signals corresponding to the plurality of subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor; determining whether a signal value for at least one received signal of the plurality of signals satisfies a signal threshold range from a signal mean, wherein the signal mean varies over time; provided that the signal value for the at least one received signal of the plurality of signals does not satisfy the signal threshold range from the signal mean, determining an interaction between an object and the fingerprint sensor; provided that the signal value for the at least one received signal of the plurality of signals does not satisfy the signal threshold range from the signal mean, updating the signal mean based on the signal value; and provided that the signal value for the at least one received signal of the plurality of signals satisfies the signal threshold range from the signal mean, updating the signal mean by averaging the signal mean and the signal value.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plurality of subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor correspond to non-adjacent individual pixels.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: responsive to determining an interaction between an object and the fingerprint sensor, activating a plurality of second subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor, wherein a second subset of the plurality of second subsets comprises a greater number of the ultrasonic transducers than a subset of the plurality of subsets.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: capturing orthogonal vectors of the object at the plurality of second subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor; for each orthogonal vectors, determining whether the orthogonal vector is indicative of a ridge/valley profile of a fingerprint; and provided that a number of orthogonal vectors indicative of a ridge/valley profile of a fingerprint satisfies a ridge/valley profile threshold, activating a plurality of third subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor, wherein a third subset of the plurality of third subsets comprises a greater number of the ultrasonic transducers than a second subset of the plurality of second subsets.
 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: receiving a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of third subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor, wherein the plurality of images are non-adjacent; for each image of the plurality of images, determining whether the image of the plurality of images is indicative of a fingerprint; provided a number of images of the plurality of images that are indicative of a fingerprint satisfies a threshold, determining whether the images of the plurality of images that are indicative of a fingerprint are collectively indicative of a fingerprint; and provided the plurality of images are collectively indicative of a fingerprint, determining that the plurality of images comprise a fingerprint.
 22. An ultrasonic fingerprint sensor device comprising: an array of ultrasonic transducers for emitting ultrasonic signals and capturing reflected ultrasonic signals from a finger interacting with the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor device; and a processor capable of controlling the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor device, wherein the processor is operable to: activate a plurality of subsets of the ultrasonic transducers or the fingerprint sensor, wherein the plurality of subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor correspond to non-adjacent individual pixels; receiving a plurality of signals corresponding to the plurality of subsets of the ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor; determining whether a signal value for at least one received signal of the plurality of signals satisfies a signal threshold range from a signal mean, wherein the signal mean varies over time; provided that the signal value for the at least one received signal of the plurality of signals does not satisfy the signal threshold range from the signal mean, determining an interaction between an object and the fingerprint sensor; provided that the signal value for the at least one received signal of the plurality of signals does not satisfy the signal threshold range from the signal mean, update the signal mean based at least in part on the signal value; and provided that the signal value for the at least one received signal of the plurality of signals satisfies the signal threshold range from the signal mean, update the signal mean by averaging the signal mean and the signal value. 